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bench players rule in IPL

'No Movement for...' - BCCI Introduces New Rules Amidst IPL 2026

Sportsdunia Desk

Modified - Apr 08, 2026, 05:57 PM

3 min

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The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is underway, and the fans are getting their daily dose of entertainment with exciting matches taking place so far. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come up with a brand new rule amidst the ongoing season of the richest cricket league in the world.

The rule concerns a team's benched players, and it has also been sent to the franchise managers. The introduction of IPL new rules in the middle of the tournament is a surprise, but the BCCI, the richest cricket board in the world, has decided to implement it anyway.

BCCI Introduces IPL 2026 New Rule

According to Cricbuzz, the extra or benched players will not be allowed to move around the ground or enter the field during the play unless they are part of the 16-member team sheet. The captains submit this sheet before the match starts. As per these BCCI rules for IPL, the benched players won't be able to enter the field with drinks or any other required items by the players who are on the field.

The BCCI has also stated that players wearing bibs can move near the boundary rope, but not more than five. The players can be the extra ones or the ones who are in the team sheet 16, but again, not more than the stipulated number.

"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," a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

More BCCI Rules for IPL

Among the bench players rule in IPL, there is another one that is connected to the official playing conditions. According to Clause 11.5.2, the drinks can only be given after the umpire's permission, and that too without wasting any time.

Clause 11.5.2 reads, "An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the umpires. Any player taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire (subject to the wearing of bibs) - refer to the note in clause."

Many fans and experts are also speculating that these new rules are linked to the recent controversy of LSG bowler Avesh Khan hit the ball from outside the boundary rope and didn't let the ball cross. Although no penalty was given or fine was give to him, the incident created a lot of discussion.

The new ruled in the Indian Premier League are likely to be applicable soon. These have been directed to ensure a more smoother conduct of the tournament and to maintain its dignity.