The Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has already entered its third match, with Delhi Capitals (DC) hosting Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. During the match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a new rule in IPL. BCCI has ruled that all the players sitting on the bench are not allowed to move around the field during the match.
In addition to the player movement rule, there are also two new rules, as additional players are also not allowed to enter the field unless they are listed in the 16 named by the management on the team sheet. This is the latest revision of the Match Playing Conditions (MPC) that was shared with the teams earlier.
IPL imposed new rules
The reason for implementing the new rules is unknown. However, the BCCI and IPL management have informed the team managers that substitute players who are not among the 16 selected are not allowed to enter the field with beverages, bats, gloves or any kind of message from the dugout. The latest decision is to tighten some relevant existing sections in the MPC – 11.5.2 and 24.1.4.
Clause 11.5.2 of the Conditions of Play reads, “An individual player may be served a drink on the field at the boundary edge or at the fall of the wicket, provided that no time of play is lost. No other drink shall be taken on the field without the permission of the umpires.”
“Any player taking drinks on the field must wear appropriate cricket attire (subject to wearing a bib) – see note in section.”
Substitute fielders will have to wear team training bibs – BCCI
Clause 24.1.4 states, “Members of the fielding or batting team who are not playing in the match and who are not acting as a substitute fielder will be required to wear a team training bib on the playing area (including the area between the boundary and the perimeter fence).”
Earlier, during the captains’ meeting in the IPL, umpire panel chief Nitin Menon and match referee chief Javagal Srinath had briefed the captains about the fielder’s movements before and after completing the catch. All 10 captains were informed in the meeting that the fielder must have complete control of the ball and his body before the catch can be considered complete and the celebration can begin.
To remain an impact player
At that meeting, it was also reported that the Impact Player rule was set to remain in place for the next two seasons, although several captains disagreed with the rule, and that it would be reviewed after the 2027 season.
Talking about the 14th match of the season, GT is batting aggressively after being invited to bat first, Jos Buttler started the aggressive batting, after which Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar took over the innings. DC has won two consecutive matches, and GT is yet to open its account in this IPL.
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