BCCI introduces stricter IPL rule, curbs extra players’ movement on the field
BCCI has introduced new IPL 2026 rules restricting substitute players’ movement. Only the 16 named players can enter the field, while others must stay in the dugout. A maximum of five substitutes can be near the boundary.
The move tightens existing rules to reduce on-field crowding and improve discipline, though no official reason has been provided.
NEW DELHI: The BCCI has introduced a new rule in IPL 2026 to limit the movement of substitute and benched players during matches, according to a report from Cricbuzz. Under this update, only the 16 players named in the match squad are allowed on the field, while others must stay in the dugout. The move is seen as an effort to tighten on-field discipline, though no official reason has been given.
New rules for substitutes The report understands that the teams have been told that players who are not part of the playing 16 cannot step onto the field, even for routine tasks like carrying drinks or messages. Only a maximum of five players, wearing bibs, are allowed to move near the boundary at any time. "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.