New IPL 2025 Rules: No Dressing Room Access for Family, Players Must Use Team Bus

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is getting stricter. After losing two Test series in a row to New Zealand and Australia, the BCCI introduced strict new rules. These rules applied to players with central contracts. Players could no longer skip matches, there was a limit on how much luggage they could carry on tours, and there were restrictions on their family members traveling with them.

"Player family members and friends may travel in a separate vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area," stated a BCCI email sent in February.

Until now, these rules only applied to the Indian men's cricket team. However, according to Cricbuzz, strict rules will also be enforced in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Family members will not be allowed to enter the dressing room, even after matches.

To explain the rules in more detail, the BCCI has planned a face-to-face meeting with all captains on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai. Usually, these meetings are held in the city where the first match takes place. The IPL will start in Kolkata on March 22.

Practice During Tournament

1. Teams will get 2 nets in the practice area and 1 side wicket on the main ground for long-range hitting. At the Mumbai venue, if both teams are practicing at the same time, each team will get 2 wickets.

2. No open nets will be allowed.

3. If one team finishes practice early, the other team cannot use their wickets.

4. No practice will be allowed on match days.

5. No fitness tests will be conducted on the main ground on match days.

6. On practice days (before and during the tournament), only approved staff can enter the dressing room and field. Family and friends must travel in a separate vehicle and can watch practice from the hospitality area. Extra support staff (like throw-down specialists and net bowlers) must be approved by BCCI. Once approved, special non-match-day passes will be issued.

7. Players must use the team bus to travel for practice. Teams may travel in two groups.

8. For any requests related to practice or fitness tests on match days, the Venue Manager will be the main contact person.

Match Day Rules

1. It is compulsory for PMOA-approved staff to carry their passes on match days. The first time they forget, they will get a warning. The second time, the team will be fined.

2. Though nets are available for hitting, players still strike the LED boards. Teams have to comply with the rules and prevent this.

3. Players and staff should not sit in front of the LED boards. The sponsorship team will mark specific areas on the field where substitutes carrying towels and water bottles can sit.

4. Players must wear Orange and Purple Caps. If they don’t want to, they should wear them for at least the first two overs so the broadcast can capture it.

5. In post-match presentations, floppy hats and sleeveless jerseys are not allowed. The first time, they will get a warning. The second time, the team will be fined.

6. On match days, just like in IPL 2024, only 12 approved support staff (including the team doctor) will be allowed.

Jersey Number Rules

1. If a player wants to change their jersey number, the team must inform BCCI at least 24 hours in advance, as per the clothing and equipment rules.