The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stricter regulations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, reinforcing protocols on player movement and dressing room access. These changes include banning family members from the dressing room during both match and practice days and making team bus travel mandatory for all players.
Key Changes Implemented by BCCI
Dressing Room and Practice Regulations
BCCI has explicitly stated that only accredited staff will be allowed in the dressing room during both pre-tournament and tournament practice sessions. While family members and friends can attend practice sessions, they must watch from the hospitality area and travel separately. The extended support staff list, including net bowlers and throwdown specialists, must be submitted for approval, with non-match day accreditations provided upon clearance.
Additionally, teams will be allocated two nets in the practice area and one side wicket for range hitting. No open nets will be permitted, and teams are prohibited from using additional wickets if another team finishes practice early. No practice will be allowed on match days, and fitness tests cannot be conducted on the main square during match days.
Mandatory Team Bus Travel
Players will be required to use the team bus for travel to practice sessions, ensuring uniformity and security. Teams may be allowed to travel in two batches if necessary.
Match Day Protocols
BCCI has reinforced PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) accreditation guidelines. Any accredited staff failing to bring their identification will receive a warning on the first instance, followed by a monetary fine on the second violation. The league has also restricted players and support staff from sitting in front of LED boards, which are frequently damaged by errant shots.
Players must wear the Orange and Purple Caps during matches, at least for the first two overs, to ensure visibility for broadcast. During post-match presentations, sleeveless jerseys and floppy hats are not permitted, with fines imposed for repeated non-compliance.
Each team will be allowed only 12 accredited support staff members on match days, including the team doctor, similar to the IPL 2024 rules.
Jersey Number Regulations
Any changes in jersey numbers must be communicated to BCCI at least 24 hours in advance, as per the official clothing and equipment guidelines.
Captains’ Meeting Scheduled for March 20
To ensure compliance and provide further clarification, BCCI has scheduled an in-person meeting with all franchise captains on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai. This is a shift from previous seasons, where such meetings were typically held in the city hosting the opening match.
With IPL 2025 set to begin in Kolkata on March 22, these new rules mark a significant move toward stricter governance and streamlined operations, ensuring better discipline and standardization across teams.
