IPL 2026: BCCI introduces rule to curb movement of benched players during matches

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has amended the match playing conditions (MPC) for the Indian Premier League (IPL), disallowing benched players from moving around the ground during the matches.

Additionally, the extra players will no longer be permitted to enter the field unless they are amongst the 16 named in the team sheet, including the five impact players, in addition to the main XI. Typically, a squad consists of up to 25 players, with 16 named in the team sheet.

The rationale behind the new ruling is not clear, but it is confirmed that the BCCI and team managements of all ten franchises have instructed their respective managers that substitute players outside of the designated 16 cannot enter the field for any purpose, whether it is to serve drinks or to deliver any cricket equipment or messages.

Another ruling states that no more than five players wearing bibs could be present around the boundary rope during the match. These five players can be from the designated 16 or from the remaining squad, but the number must not exceed five at any stage of the match.

"Instructions have been passed to us only recently that all substitutes cannot move around during the match. They are also not allowed to carry drinks onto the field. Only the 16 named in the team for the match can do so. In addition to that, only five outside the playing XI can move around. The others can sit in the dugout, but cannot move between the boundary line and LED advertising boards," team sources were quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Clause 11.5.2 of the Playing Conditions states: 

"An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the umpires. Any player taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire (subject to the wearing of bibs) - refer to the note in clause."

The 24.1.4 clause states:

"Squad members of the fielding or batting team who are not playing in the match and who are not acting as substitute fielders shall be required to wear a team training bib whilst on the playing area (including the area between the boundary and the perimeter fencing)."