No Family Members In Dressing Rooms: BCCI Implements Stringent Regulations For IPL 2025

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 just around the corner, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a series of strict regulations aimed at streamlining operations, ensuring player discipline, and upholding the integrity of the tournament. These new rules cover various aspects, including travel arrangements, family access to restricted areas, practice session protocols, and match-day dress codes.

These changes, communicated to franchises via email and discussed in a virtual meeting on February 18, indicate BCCI’s commitment to maintaining professionalism in the world’s most-watched T20 league. The guidelines will be further reinforced during an in-person captain’s meeting on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai.

With IPL 2025 set to kick off on March 22 in Kolkata, let’s take a detailed look at the new travel, practice, match-day, and disciplinary regulations introduced by the BCCI.

Stricter Travel and Family Regulations for Players

One of the most significant changes in IPL 2025 pertains to how players travel and the access their families and friends have to restricted areas.

Mandatory Team Bus Travel

The BCCI has now made it compulsory for players to travel to practice sessions via the team bus—a regulation already in place during international matches.

Franchises have been officially informed about this rule, reinforcing the idea that individual transport arrangements will no longer be permitted.
This move ensures team unity and security, preventing unnecessary distractions and logistical challenges.

By standardizing travel, the BCCI aims to reduce delays, prevent security breaches, and maintain consistency across teams throughout the tournament.

No More Dressing Room Access for Family and Friends

Another major policy shift is the restriction on family members and friends entering the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), including the dressing room.

On both practice and match days, family members must travel separately and will not be allowed to interact with players in the dressing room area.
They may, however, observe practice sessions from designated hospitality areas, ensuring they still get to enjoy the game without disrupting team operations.

This move mirrors international cricket policies and aims to create a more focused and distraction-free environment for players, especially during high-pressure matches.

Approval Required for Extended Support Staff

Another noteworthy change is the BCCI’s control over extended support staff.

Any additional personnel, such as throw-down specialists and net bowlers, will require official approval from the BCCI before receiving non-match-day accreditations.
This rule ensures that only essential staff members are allowed access, reducing potential security risks and maintaining team confidentiality.

By limiting unnecessary personnel, the BCCI is emphasizing a more structured and disciplined team setup.

Changes in Practice and Fitness Testing Regulations

To ensure smoother team practice sessions, the BCCI has introduced new guidelines regarding net practice, match-day training, and fitness tests.

Restrictions on Practice Facilities

The new regulations define how teams can use the practice facilities:

Each franchise will now have access to two nets and one side wicket on the main square for practice.
Open nets will no longer be permitted, ensuring a structured training setup that prevents interference with other teams’ sessions.
No practice will be allowed on match days, a crucial rule aimed at preserving the playing surface.

No More Fitness Tests on Match Days

Previously, players often underwent fitness tests on the main square before a match. However, under the new rules:

Fitness tests will now be strictly prohibited on match days to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the pitch.
Traditional pre-match practice on the central track will also be discontinued.
Teams must pre-plan fitness assessments on non-match days to ensure players are physically ready for their matches.

This decision not only protects the playing surface but also ensures that match-day preparations are solely focused on game strategy rather than last-minute fitness concerns.

Match-Day Protocols and Dress Code Rules

To maintain discipline and uniformity during the IPL, the BCCI has enforced new match-day protocols regarding player attire, accreditation requirements, and on-field conduct.

Accreditation Rules for Players and Staff

All accredited personnel must carry their credentials at all times during match days.
Strict penalties will be imposed for non-compliance, ensuring only authorized individuals have access to team zones.

This move enhances security and professionalism, preventing unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.

Mandatory Wearing of Orange and Purple Caps

Players who hold the prestigious Orange Cap (for the leading run-scorer) and Purple Cap (for the leading wicket-taker) must wear them for at least the first two overs of a match broadcast.
This ensures greater visibility of IPL’s top performers and maintains a tradition that fans love.

Stricter Dress Code at Presentation Ceremonies

To maintain a professional appearance, the BCCI has now enforced a strict dress code for post-match presentations:

Floppy hats and sleeveless jerseys will no longer be allowed.
Financial penalties will be imposed for players who do not adhere to the dress code.

This regulation ensures uniformity across all teams, presenting a more polished and professional look to the global IPL audience.

Safeguarding LED Boards from Damage

The BCCI has also introduced guidelines to protect stadium infrastructure, particularly LED advertising boards.

Players and staff must not be stationed in front of LED boards during matches or practice sessions.
This prevents unintentional damage and ensures that sponsors get unobstructed visibility—a crucial aspect of IPL’s commercial success.

By enforcing such on-field discipline, the BCCI is ensuring a seamless match-day experience for players, broadcasters, and sponsors alike.

The Captain’s Meeting: Finalizing the New Regulations

To further clarify these new rules, the BCCI has scheduled an in-person meeting with all IPL team captains on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai.

Traditionally, this meeting is held in the host city of the tournament opener.
With IPL 2025 beginning in Kolkata on March 22, this meeting will serve as the final discussion before the league kicks off.

Captains will be given an opportunity to seek clarifications and provide feedback, ensuring that all teams are on the same page before the tournament begins.

A More Disciplined and Structured IPL

The BCCI’s new regulations for IPL 2025 reflect a strong commitment to maintaining discipline, enhancing security, and ensuring smooth tournament operations.

From mandatory team travel and restricted family access to dress codes and match-day protocols, these stringent rules aim to uphold the professionalism of the world’s biggest T20 league.

As the IPL 2025 season kicks off in Kolkata on March 22, teams will need to adapt quickly to these new regulations to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Ultimately, these changes signal a new era for the IPL, where player performance, discipline, and tournament integrity take center stage, making the league even more structured, professional, and globally appealing.

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