BCCI hammers down on movement of benched players in IPL:Introduces new rule, now only 16 players will be allowed in stadium

During IPL 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a new rule. According to this, players sitting on the bench will not be able to roam on the field during the match. No one other than the 16 players included in the team sheet will be allowed to enter the field. Only those players who are among these 16 will be allowed to go onto the field to deliver drinks, bats, or messages. These instructions have recently been given to the team management. The reason is not yet clear. At any given time, only five players can roam near the boundary line. An IPL team usually has around 25 players Typically, IPL teams have around 25 players. For each match, only 16 players are named in the team sheet. According to the new rule, the remaining players will stay in the dugout. They will not be allowed to move between the boundary line and the LED board. According to team sources, we have recently received instructions that all substitute players cannot roam on the field during the match. They are not allowed to carry drinks. Maximum number of players wearing substitute jerseys is 5 It has been decided that the number of players roaming on the sidelines wearing bibs (substitute player jerseys) will not exceed five. These players carry drinks or retrieve the ball from the boundary. This new rule tightens Clause 11.5.2 and 24.1.4 of the Match Playing Conditions (MPC). According to Clause 11.5.2, players are allowed to provide drinks for a limited time and under certain conditions. Clause 24.1.4 states that players who are not playing in the match and are not substitute fielders must wear the team’s training bib while being around the field. 13 out of 74 games played in IPL 2026 so far So far, 14 out of 74 matches of IPL 2026 have been played. The latest amendment in the IPL rules has come to light with the latest Cricbuzz report. Why was the new rule introduced? BCCI did not clarify the official reason for the change. However, the team management and experts are linking it to three reasons- 1. Increasing match speed: Repeated drinks/messages were slowing down the game. 2. Preventing unfair advantage: Players sitting outside were constantly providing coaching/strategy. 3. Security and control: Reducing the crowd near the boundary line for better monitoring. It’s not the first time IPL has made changes Similar changes have happened in IPL before. Small rule changes have had a big impact. These include the Impact Player rule introduced in 2023, slow over penalties for captains, and DRS for no-balls and wides.