IPL 2025: BCCI Implements Stricter Rules for Players and Teams

Summary: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2025 season. These new regulations aim to bring discipline, security, and uniformity to the tournament, with key restrictions on player travel, dressing room access, attire, and on-field conduct.

The move comes after similar SOPs were recently implemented for the Indian national team following their Test series loss in Australia. While the multi-team format of the IPL prevents the exact replication of these rules, several significant policies have been adopted for the franchises.

Key Changes in IPL 2025 SOPs

1. No Separate Travel Arrangements for Players

One of the biggest changes involves team travel. Players will be required to use the team bus when heading for practice or matches, eliminating the option to travel separately. However, franchises are allowed to arrange transportation in two batches to accommodate large squads.

“Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches,” the BCCI note stated.

2. No Family Members or Friends in Dressing Rooms

To maintain professionalism and avoid unnecessary distractions, family members and friends of players will not be allowed in the dressing room, even on non-match days. They will be restricted to the hospitality areas during training and matches.

Additionally, franchises must submit a list of extended support staff—such as throw-down specialists and net bowlers—to BCCI for approval before they can receive non-match day accreditations.

3. Strict Dress Code at Post-Match Presentations

Players attending the post-match presentation must follow a dress code. Loose or sleeveless jerseys, often referred to as “floppies,” will not be allowed. Non-compliance will result in a warning on the first instance, followed by financial penalties.

“In the post-match presentation, floppies and sleeveless jerseys are not allowed. Failure to do so will result in a warning on the first instance. On the second instance, there will be a financial penalty,” the BCCI note clarified.

4. Mandatory Accreditation Cards

Players, match officials, and support staff must carry their accreditation cards at all times inside the stadium. Failure to do so will lead to a warning for the first offense and monetary fines for subsequent violations.

5. Protection of Advertising LED Boards

To safeguard commercial investments, players will be prohibited from deliberately hitting advertising LED boards placed outside the boundary ropes. BCCI has also warned players and support staff against sitting in front of these boards, with designated seating areas marked for substitute players carrying drinks and towels.

“Despite providing hitting nets, players keep hitting on the LED boards. We request teams to adhere to it,” BCCI stated.

Franchise Reactions

A top official from an IPL franchise welcomed the new regulations, emphasizing that maintaining discipline would improve professionalism in the league.

“In our franchise, families and even team owners were not permitted in the dressing room on non-match days. However, some players used to travel separately after games. That won’t be allowed from this season onwards,” the official told PTI.

Why These Changes Matter

The new rules aim to:
✅ Ensure discipline and professionalism among players
✅ Minimize security risks by enforcing strict travel policies
✅ Protect sponsors’ investments in advertising boards

Last Updated on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 10:59 am by News Centre24 Team | Published by: News Centre24 Team on March 6, 2025 10:59 am | News Categories: SPORTS

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