Indian Cricket Board introduces new Ind T20 League rules

The Indian Cricket Board has tightened the rules and regulations concerning the family members’ presence around PMOA areas before and during the Ind T20 League fixtures. Furthermore, it has made it compulsory for players to travel alongside the team by the team bus, a rule Indian players have been told to strictly follow during the international games. 

“Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches (sic)," a new Indian Cricket Board rule states. The news was communicated to all franchises via mail following an explanation of changes in regulations to all team managers during a meeting. The managers meeting was arranged through a Zoom call on February 18  

The latest clause about the family members (of players and support staff) says they are not allowed to enter the dressing room even during practice sessions. They are anyway prohibited entry on match days. “On practice days (during pre-tournament & tournament), only accredited staff is allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play.

"Player family members and may friends travel in a different vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area. For extended support staff (throw down specialist/net bowlers) list need to be submitted for approval to the Indian Cricket Board. Once approved, non-match day accreditations will be issued for the same," the mail states.

The Indian Cricket Board further stated that the fitness tests on players cannot be conducted on the main square during match days. Usually, physios use the primary track for fitness tests of players just before a match begins. The Indian Cricket Board has also said the players must wear Orange and Purple caps for a minimum of two overs and during the post match presentation ceremonies, the players must not don sleeveless jerseys.  

To discuss the rules further, the Indian Cricket Board has scheduled a physical meeting with all skippers on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai. These meetings are normally organised in the host city of the opening match. The Indian T20 League is set to kick off in Kolkata on March 22. 

The following are a few changes being effected this year:

Practice during tournament

1. Teams will be provided with 2 nets in the practice area and one of the side wickets for pinch hitting. For the Mumbai venue, if both sides are practicing at the same time, teams will get 2 wickets apiece. 
2. No open nets
3. If a team ends their practice early, the opposing team is not allowed to use wickets for their practice. 
4. No practice is permissible on match days. 
5. Main Square will not conduct any fitness test on the match day. 
6. Only accredited staff is allowed in the dressing room and the field of play on practice days during the tournament. No player family member can travel with the team bus. They can however watch the sessions from the hospitality area or travel with a different vehicle . 
7. Players come to practice by the team bus. Teams can travel in two batches. 
8. Venue Manger will be the point of contact for any practice related query or fitness issues on match day. 

Match Day 

1. It is compulsory for PMOA accredited staff to carry their accreditation on match day. If a staff member fails to do so they will be issued with a warning letter. And, if it happens again then a monetary fine will be issued to the team. 
2. Teams should avoid hitting on the LED boards 
3. Players and support staff must not sit in front of the LED boards. 
4. Players should wear Orange and Purple Cap for at least two overs during the match and post-match presentation. 
5. No floppies and sleeveless jerseys are allowed in the post-match presentation. 
6. Similar to Ind T20 League 2024 season only 12 accredited support staff members which also includes the team doctor will be allowed on match days. 

Jersey Number

1.  In the event of change in jersey numbers, franchises will have to intimate 24 hours in advance as mentioned in the clothing and equipment guidelines.