Under the updated regulation, only 16 players named on the team sheet are permitted on the field.
The BCCI has implemented strict rules to limit the movement of benched players during IPL 2026 matches, Cricbuzz reported on Wednesday (April 8).
Under this updated regulation, only 16 players named on the team sheet are permitted on the field. The move aims to enhance on-field discipline.
According to the report, 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. Furthermore, only five substitutes wearing bibs are allowed near the boundary, while others must remain in the dugout.
"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 LED advertising boards," team sources said.
Earlier, larger squads often had quite a few players assisting on the field during matches. Now, the BCCI has tightened existing rules to avoid overcrowding around the field.
The amended law applies to all IPL franchises this season, where squads can have up to 25 players but only 16 are officially part of a match.
While no official reason has been provided, these moves are seen as necessary for ensuring fielding teams are not distracted and that the match operations are streamlined.