For the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a number of new rules, the primary one being limiting access to the dressing room. The BCCI has prohibited family members of players and support personnel from accessing changing rooms, including on practice days, in an effort to preserve discipline and streamline matchday procedures.
In addition, athletes have been asked to take the team bus to practices and games. In a recent virtual conference on February 18, all franchises and team managers received formal notice of these changes.
Regulations have always been a priority for the BCCI in order to preserve the IPL’s professionalism.
However, the board has taken further measures to guarantee a regulated environment due to worries over dressing room access and logistical discipline. All franchisees received an email with these new regulations, which also include changes to practice schedules, fitness requirements, and matchday dress.
Interestingly, these regulations are comparable to those applied to Team India players during international matches. According to one of the changes, only authorized staff members are allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play on practice and game days.
“On practice days (pre-tournament and tournament), only authorized personnel are permitted to enter the dressing room and play on the field. Family members and friends of players can watch team practice from the hospitality section while traveling in a separate car. A list of extended support personnel (net bowlers and throw down specialists) must be presented to the BCCI for approval. Non-match day accreditations would be granted for the same after approval,” the email stated, as Cricbuzz cited.
It is forbidden for athletes to wear sleeveless jerseys to presentation ceremonies.
Furthermore, players can no longer do fitness tests on match days on the main square, which physiotherapists used to evaluate players’ fitness prior to games. The BCCI has mandated that all players take the team bus to practice in order to maintain team cohesion and logistical cooperation.
Additionally, players that wear the IPL’s iconic Orange and Purple caps are required to do so for at least two overs during games and at the post-match ceremony. Additionally, players are not allowed to wear sleeveless jerseys to presentation ceremonies; repeated infractions will result in a financial penalty. Teams will have access to one side wicket for range hitting and two nets in the practice area. Teams are not permitted to extend practice time if another team ends early, and open nets are not permitted. Players and support personnel are also prohibited from sitting in front of LED boards.
India
