The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented minor yet substantial changes to the match-playing regulations for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, emphasising the movement of substitute players and their access to the field. According to a Cricbuzz report, all teams have been made aware of these updated regulations regarding the number of players allowed on the field during breaks and the extent of player movement along the boundary ropes.
The reason behind the change is yet to be known, with nothing official having been stated from the IPL governing council. It has also been stated in the report that only 16 players (playing XI + five impact players) named in the team sheet will be part of the dugout. It has been done to restrict the substitute players from providing drinks during match breaks.
“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 the LED advertising boards,” the report quoted multiple sources as saying.
The latest ruling serves as an addition to existing clauses 11.5.2 and 24.1.4 in the MPC.
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).”
Clause 24.1.4 reads: “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).”
Avesh Khan’s incident triggered change?
These alterations may also stem from a recent incident during the LSG vs SRH match in which Rishabh Pant’s game-winning hit for Lucknow Super Giants was intercepted and hit back by teammate Avesh Khan, who was positioned outside the boundary. Avesh was positioned just beyond the ropes alongside his teammates.
This triggered a massive uproar on social media with reports of SRH management filing a complaint with the BCCI.
