BCCI Limits IPL Field Access to 16 Players Per Team

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has implemented new restrictions on player movement during Indian Premier League matches this season, limiting field access to only the 16 players named on each team's official match sheet. The changes, announced mid-tournament on April 8, 2026, aim to enhance efficiency and protect commercial assets, marking a shift from previous practices where broader squad members could assist on the field.

Under the updated playing conditions, known informally as the Power of 16 rule, the playing XI and five designated substitutes are the sole individuals permitted to cross the boundary rope or operate in the area between it and the LED advertising boards. Players outside this group must remain confined to the dugout and are barred from tasks such as delivering drinks, bats, gloves, or tactical messages. This applies throughout the match, including during breaks, to prevent disruptions and ensure smooth operations.

Additionally, the rules impose a density limit near the boundary: no more than five players wearing training bibs from the official 16 can be active or stationed there at any time. These substitutes must coordinate their movements from...