IPL 2026: BCCI Tightens Rules on Benched Players Movement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has come up with a new regulation regarding the Indian Premier League. Players who are not part of the playing eleven are no longer permitted to roam freely on the cricket pitch during matches.

BCCI Tightens IPL Rules, Limits Benched Players Movement on Field

Only those 16 players who have been picked up for that match will be allowed access to the pitch. No other player will be allowed to get on the pitch, even for fetching drinks or bats.

Additionally, only five players wearing bibs will be permitted near the boundary. These players can help with drinks or return the ball, but the number cannot be more than five.

The other players need to remain in the dugout area, and they should not move freely near the boundary. Most teams consist of approximately 25 players, yet only 16 of them are selected to participate in the game.

This regulation is an stricter version of the older regulations, which had limitations on Drinks and player movements. A total of 13 games have been played so far in IPL 2026, and the next game will be held in Delhi against Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.

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