The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a slew of stricter new guidelines that will come into force before the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The 18th edition of the IPL is set to begin with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, 2025.
Full list of guidelines BCCI has set for IPL 2025:
Family members not allowed
Perhaps the most luring update is that players are now obliged to travel in the team bus to training, as was already being done of late by international sides for international matches. This rule, now also applicable for the IPL, was notified through an email sent to all teams after holding a virtual briefing for team managers on February 18, according to a report from Cricbuzz.
Further, new sets of rules concerning family members and friends apply. During practice and match days, they are no longer allowed into the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). They will now have to watch the matches from specified hospitality areas and travel separately. Besides, any support staff, net bowlers, or throw-down specialists, must get prior approval from the BCCI for access on non-match days.
Net practice and fitness
All practice sessions have now been altered by the BCCI. Teams would not be allowed to practice more than two nets plus one side wicket on the main square, with open nets being totally banned. There will therefore be no practice on match days.
With regard to fitness provisions, new norms state that fitness trials shall not be conducted on the main square during a match, as this may cause disturbances. Neither shall any players practice over any central track pre-match, stressing a need for preparation towards fitness before matches.
Orange and Purple caps
Match day procedures, all accredited staff to display their credentials, staffs lacking such advancements will attract penalties, as also players are required to wear the Orange and Purple caps for the first two overs of the match broadcast. Dress code prohibits floppies and sleeveless when it comes to post-match presentations, with financial penalties also attached to such infractions.
Other rules on match day include, but are not limited to, preventing damage to LED boards during practice and ensuring that no one obstructs the boards in-game time.
With the BCCI’s decision to conduct an in-person meeting with all team captains on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai, these regulations are to be further clarified. Traditionally held in the host city for the first match of the season, this meeting would now be placed just before the IPL 2025 opener on March 22 in Kolkata.