The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off on March 22, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already introduced strict rules that will significantly impact the tournament. From regulating player practice sessions to limiting family time, the BCCI is cracking down on what it perceives as a “VIP culture” within teams. In a bid to level the playing field, the governing body has emailed all 10 franchises, informing them of the new regulations that will be enforced during the upcoming season.
One of the most significant changes is the restriction on players’ family members and support staff entering the dressing room during matches. This ban extends to practice sessions as well, with only authorized personnel allowed to attend. While family members and friends can still watch from a distance, they will not be permitted to join the players in the dressing room or on the field. Furthermore, players will only be allowed to bring support staff who have been approved by the BCCI.
Restrictions on Family Members and Support Staff
According to the email sent to the teams, only recognized staff will be allowed to attend practice sessions with players. Family members and friends can attend in separate vehicles and watch from a designated area, but they will not be permitted to interact with the players during practice. As for support staff, players will need to obtain permission from the BCCI before bringing them along. This move is aimed at reducing the VIP culture that has become synonymous with the IPL, where players often have an entourage of family members, friends, and support staff accompanying them to matches and practice sessions.
In addition to these changes, the upcoming season will also see several other modifications. For instance, both teams will be allocated two pitches for practice sessions, with Wankhede Stadium providing two pitches for each team. On match days, no practice or fitness tests will be allowed, and players will be prohibited from hitting balls towards the LED boards. While a first-time offense will result in a warning, repeated instances will incur penalties. These changes are likely to have a significant impact on the teams and players, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the new regulations.
- Players’ family members and support staff are barred from entering the dressing room during matches and practice sessions.
- Only authorized personnel will be allowed to attend practice sessions with players.
- Players need to obtain permission from the BCCI before bringing support staff along.
- Both teams will be allocated two pitches for practice sessions.
- No practice or fitness tests will be allowed on match days.
- Players are prohibited from hitting balls towards the LED boards.
These changes are part of the BCCI’s efforts to streamline the IPL and eliminate the VIP culture that has become a hallmark of the tournament. While some may view these regulations as overly restrictive, they are likely to have a positive impact on the overall conduct of the tournament and ensure a more level playing field for all teams. As the IPL 2025 season approaches, fans can expect a more disciplined and focused approach from the teams, with the BCCI’s new regulations in place to govern the tournament.