The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reinforced certain aspects of its newly introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the 10 participating teams ahead of IPL 2025. Among the key regulations, players have been restricted from wearing 'floppies and sleeveless jerseys' during post-match presentation ceremonies. This move is reportedly aimed at maintaining a formal and professional image during official events.
According to India Today, which has accessed the detailed SOPs covering practice sessions, match-day protocols, and jersey number regulations, the BCCI is taking measures to ensure discipline and uniformity in the tournament. Following India's loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil, the board had introduced several new regulations, including barring personal managers from traveling with the team on the bus and restricting the number of players' family members allowed on tours. Similar principles have now been incorporated into the IPL framework, though with necessary modifications to suit the multi-team competition.
One of the notable SOPs pertains to player families, who will not be permitted inside the dressing room, even on training days. Instead, they will be required to watch practice sessions from the designated hospitality area. Additionally, non-match-day accreditations for extended support staff—such as throwdown specialists and net bowlers—must be pre-approved by the BCCI before they can join practice sessions.
The IPL 2025 season is set to begin on Saturday, March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. As part of the revised practice guidelines, teams will be allocated two nets in the practice area and one of the side wickets on the main square for range-hitting drills. At the Mumbai venue, if both teams are practicing simultaneously, each will receive two wickets. However, open nets will not be allowed, and once a team concludes its session, the other team will not be permitted to use their wickets.
Further restrictions include a ban on practice sessions on match days, as well as fitness tests on the main square. On practice days, only accredited staff will be allowed inside the dressing room and on the field, while players must arrive using the designated team bus, with teams permitted to travel in two batches. The Venue Manager will act as the point of contact for any practice or fitness-related requests on match days.
On match days, BCCI has emphasized the importance of accreditation compliance. All PMOA-accredited staff must carry their accreditation passes, and failure to do so will result in a warning on the first offense, followed by a financial penalty on the second instance. Additionally, despite designated hitting nets being provided, the BCCI has urged teams to avoid striking LED boards, a persistent issue from previous seasons. Players and support staff have also been advised not to sit in front of the LED boards, with the sponsorship team marking specific areas for substitutes carrying towels and water bottles.
As part of the tournament’s branding and sponsorship obligations, players awarded the Orange Cap (for the leading run-scorer) and Purple Cap (for the leading wicket-taker) are expected to wear them during the match. Even in cases where players do not typically wear caps, they will be required to do so for at least the first two overs to ensure visibility for the broadcast.
A stricter dress code has been implemented for post-match presentations, with players prohibited from wearing floppy hats or sleeveless jerseys. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a warning on the first offense, followed by a financial penalty on subsequent instances. Additionally, similar to IPL 2024, only 12 accredited support staff, including the team doctor, will be permitted on match days.
In terms of jersey numbers, any changes must be communicated at least 24 hours in advance, in accordance with the clothing and equipment guidelines. This ensures uniformity and consistency across all participating teams.
With these updated SOPs, the BCCI aims to maintain a structured and professional environment throughout IPL 2025, reinforcing discipline, player conduct, and the tournament's brand value.
