The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stricter regulations for player conduct and logistics ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. These new mandates restrict family access to Player and Match Officials Areas (PMOA) and enforce strict travel protocols for players and staff. Additionally, teams must follow updated rules for practice sessions, dress codes, and match-day protocols.

Family Access Limited in Dressing Rooms and Practice Sessions

The BCCI now prohibits family members from entering dressing rooms, even during practice sessions. They can attend practice but must travel separately and watch from designated hospitality areas. Only accredited personnel may enter dressing rooms and the field during practice.

Franchises must submit a list for approval when requesting extended support staff, such as throwdown specialists and net bowlers. Once approved, these individuals receive non-match day accreditation.

Mandatory Team Bus Travel for Players

Players must now travel by the team bus, following the same protocol as Team India’s international matches. The BCCI’s directive allows teams to split into two travel groups, but all players must follow this rule for practice sessions.

New Practice and Match-Day Guidelines

Practice Regulations

1. Teams get access to two nets and one side wicket for range hitting. If both teams practice simultaneously in Mumbai, they receive two wickets each.
2. Open nets are not allowed.
3. If a team finishes practice early, the other team cannot use their nets.
4. Practice sessions are not permitted on match days.
5. Fitness tests on the main square are not allowed on match days.
6. Only accredited personnel may enter dressing rooms and the field during practice.
7. Players must use the team bus to reach practice venues.
8. Venue managers oversee all practice and fitness test requests on match days.

Match-Day Protocols

1. PMOA-accredited staff must carry their accreditation. A first-time failure results in a warning, while repeated violations lead to financial penalties.
2. Players must avoid hitting the LED advertising boards despite the availability of hitting nets.
3. Players and support staff must not sit directly in front of LED boards. Designated seating areas will be marked.
4. Orange and Purple Cap holders must wear their respective caps for at least the first two overs for broadcast visibility.
5. Floppy hats and sleeveless jerseys are not allowed during post-match presentations. A first violation results in a warning, while repeated offenses lead to financial penalties.
6. A maximum of 12 accredited support staff, including the team doctor, can be present on match days.

Jersey Number Change Guidelines

Teams must notify the BCCI at least 24 hours in advance when planning to change a player’s jersey number, as outlined in the clothing and equipment guidelines.

BCCI’s Captaincy Meeting for IPL 2025

To clarify these rule changes, the BCCI has scheduled an in-person meeting with all team captains on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai. Typically, these meetings occur in the host city of the season opener, which for IPL 2025, is Kolkata on March 22.

These new guidelines reinforce the BCCI’s commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and uniformity across the tournament while ensuring smooth match-day operations.