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| Image Source: iplt20.com |
The IPL 2026 season is in full swing, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in no mood to compromise on match discipline. Recently, the BCCI issued strict guidelines restricting the movement of benched and extra players during matches.
As confirmed by a recent Cricbuzz report, the BCCI has implemented new Match Playing Conditions (MPC) to prevent unnecessary crowding on the field and around the boundary ropes.
Key Highlights of the New Rules:
- Only the 16 players named on the team sheet (11 playing + 5 substitutes) can enter the field of play.
- A maximum of only 5 extra players can be stationed near the boundary rope at any time.
- These 5 players are required to wear their team's training bibs for easy identification.
- All other benched players are strictly mandated to remain inside the dugout.
Strict Limit of 16 Players on the Field
While an IPL franchise typically has a full squad of 25
players, the new rules dictate that only the 16 players submitted at the toss
are permitted to enter the field of play. If a player is not on this specific
16-man list, they are not allowed to bring drinks, carry replacement bats, or
deliver messages from the dressing room to the playing team under any
circumstances.
Maximum of 5 Players at the Boundary
According to Cricbuzz, a maximum of 5 players are now
allowed to stand or move around the boundary rope. These players can be from
the 16-man matchday squad or the remaining roster. Their primary responsibility
is restricted to quickly retrieving the ball when it crosses the boundary to
prevent any delays in the match.
Remaining Squad Must Stay in the Dugout
The BCCI has made it explicitly clear that any benched
players not included in the designated 5-man boundary duty list must stay
seated in their dugout. Roaming or strolling between the boundary line and the
LED advertisement boards is now strictly prohibited.
Why This Sudden Crackdown?
In previous seasons, it was a common sight to see multiple
extra players rushing onto the field during drinks breaks or after a wicket
fell, often without a valid reason. As highlighted by Cricbuzz, the BCCI
has decided to strictly enforce its existing regulations (specifically Rule
11.5.2 and 24.1.4) to curb this practice. This move aims to prevent
time-wasting and maintain a highly professional atmosphere on the field.
With these new rules in place, the focus will remain strictly on the cricket action without any unnecessary crowding on the sidelines.