Tightens regulations for players, family access
NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a set of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) ahead of the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. These guidelines aim to enhance security and streamline operations concerning the Player and Match Officials Areas (PMOA).
In a communication to IPL franchises reported by Cricbuzz, the BCCI emphasized stricter restrictions on the presence of family members of players and support staff. The new rules prohibit them from entering the dressing rooms on both practice and match days, with access limited to accredited staff only. Family members are permitted to observe practices from a designated hospitality area if traveling separately from the team.
The BCCI also mandated that players use team buses for travel instead of personal vehicles, mirroring regulations already in place for national team players during international matches. Teams will be allowed to split into two batches for travel.
In addition to these changes, the BCCI has capped teams to no more than seven training sessions and allowed only two warm-up matches leading up to the season. The regulations also apply to local games held at host venues, which are encouraged to share facilities for legends leagues and celebrity tournaments.
Concerns regarding pitch management on match days have led the BCCI to ban fitness tests on the central square, marking a departure from the previous practice of physiotherapists assessing player fitness right before games.
Furthermore, the board has introduced requirements regarding player attire during the tournament. Players will need to wear the Orange and Purple caps for a minimum of two overs in matches, and sleeveless jerseys will not be permitted during post-match presentations.
The IPL 2025 season is set to kick off on March 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Agencies