The Indian Premier League follows structured playing conditions organized by match phases.
Each rule activates at designated stages from pre-match preparations through post-match proceedings, creating operational timelines for teams, officials, and match management.
The ipl rules and regulations 2026 sequence procedures across toss ceremonies, innings transitions, over completions, and match conclusions.
Understanding when rules apply determines how teams prepare lineups, manage substitutions, execute reviews, and maintain match pace.
This operational manual documents IPL Rules and Regulations through phase-based frameworks.
It covers pre-match declarations, innings-specific protocols, over-by-over enforcement mechanisms, and post-match compliance requirements that structure all IPL fixtures.
IPL Rules and Regulations 2026
IPL Rules and Regulations
The following table organizes all IPL playing conditions by the match phase during which they become operational:
| Match Phase | Rule Name | What Happens | Applies To | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-match (60 mins before start) | Playing XI Declaration | Teams submit team sheets to the match referee | Both teams | Can be submitted pre-toss or within 10 minutes post-toss |
| Pre-match (30 mins before toss) | Impact Player Nomination | Five substitute names were declared to match the referee | Both teams | Cannot modify list after submission deadline |
| Innings start | Powerplay Fielding Restrictions | Maximum two fielders outside the 30-yard circle | Bowling team | Applies overs 1-6 each innings |
| Overs 6-9 | First Strategic Time-out | A mandatory 2.5-minute break was taken by the bowling team | Bowling team | Must occur within the specified window |
| Throughout innings | Decision Review System | Teams challenge umpire decisions using technology | Both teams | Two reviews per team per innings |
| Throughout innings | Impact Player Substitution | One nominated player replaces a starting XI member | Either team | Only at over breaks, wickets, or innings transitions |
| Throughout innings | Over-rate Monitoring | Match officials track bowling pace against time allocations | Bowling team | Must start 20th over within 90 minutes |
| Each over | Two Bouncers Per Over | Bowlers are permitted two short-pitched deliveries above the shoulder | Bowling team | The third bouncer results in a no-ball penalty |
| Overs 13-16 | Second Strategic Time-out | Mandatory 2.5-minute break taken by the batting team | Batting team | Must occur within the specified over window |
| During delivery stride | Fielding Movement Penalties | Unfair fielder movement triggers dead ball and run penalty | Bowling team | Five runs awarded, ball not counted |
| Post-match | Code of Conduct Review | Match referee assesses player behavior violations | All players | Demerit points and fines are applied for breaches |
Difference Between IPL Rules and T20I Cricket Rules
The following table compares how IPL Regulations apply across match phases compared to T20 International cricket operational timelines:
| Match Phase | IPL Rule Application | T20I Rule Application | Match Flow Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-toss (60 mins before) | Teams may delay XI declaration until post-toss | Teams must submit XI before the toss ceremony | IPL teams adjust lineup based on toss outcome |
| Pre-match (30 mins before) | Five impact player nominees declared | No tactical substitution provision exists | IPL enables mid-match squad adjustments |
| Overs 6-9 (first innings) | Mandatory strategic time-out for the bowling team | No mandatory tactical breaks scheduled | IPL includes broadcast and tactical pause |
| Throughout innings | Wides and no-balls can be reviewed via DRS | Extras not included in DRS review scope | IPL permits broader challenge categories |
| Each over throughout the match | Two bouncers per over permitted from 2024 | One bouncer per over maximum enforced | IPL bowlers have an additional short-ball option |
| Before the 20th over starts | Over-rate delays trigger immediate fielding restrictions | Financial penalties applied post-match primarily | IPL slow pace affects the match directly |
| Overs 13-16 (both innings) | Mandatory strategic time-out for the batting team | No mandatory tactical breaks scheduled | IPL includes a second pause period |
| Match-day operations | Maximum four overseas players in XI, eight in squad | No nationality-based selection restrictions | IPL mandates domestic player inclusion |
IPL Strategic Time-outs Explained
Strategic time-outs occur during fixed windows within each innings. These pauses interrupt match flow at predetermined moments regardless of match situation or team preference.
The first time-out activates after over 6 completions, taken by the bowling team. The second is activated after over 13 completions, taken by the batting team. Neither can be postponed or cancelled.
| Innings Phase | Overs Range | Team Control | Tactical Pause Limit | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-powerplay phase | After over 6 completes, before over 10 starts | Bowling team selects timing within window | 2 minutes 30 seconds maximum | Umpires signal time-out, fourth umpire monitors duration |
| Middle-to-death transition | After over 13 completes, before over 17 starts | Batting team selects timing within window | 2 minutes 30 seconds maximum | Umpires signal time-out, fourth umpire monitors duration |
If a wicket falls during the designated window, the time-out still proceeds. Teams cannot combine time-outs or carry unused time to later overs. Each time-out operates independently per innings.
Decision Review System in the IPL
DRS activates immediately after any umpire decision that qualifies for review. Teams have 15 seconds from decision communication to signal their review intention to on-field umpires.
Third umpires must complete reviews within 90 seconds using available technology. Ball-tracking, ultra-edge, and real-time snicko become operational the moment a review request is accepted.
| When Review Can Be Taken | Decision Type | Technology Used | Review Loss Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within 15 seconds after on-field umpire signals out or not out | LBW appeals | Ball-tracking for pitch, impact, and wicket projection | Original decision confirmed, umpire’s call does not consume review |
| Within 15 seconds after on-field umpire signals out or not out | Caught behind appeals | Ultra-edge for bat contact, real-time snicko for confirmation | No contact detected when out given, or contact detected when not out given |
| Within 15 seconds after on-field umpire signals wide or no-ball (from 2023) | Extras calls | Ball-tracking for line, ultra-edge for contact | Original decision stands after technology review |
| Within 15 seconds after on-field umpire signals out or not out | Caught, stumping | Multiple camera angles, zoom functionality | Conclusive evidence contradicts the challenging team’s position |
Teams begin each innings with two reviews. Successful reviews or umpire’s call outcomes do not reduce the remaining review count. Teams losing both reviews cannot challenge further decisions for that innings.
IPL Over-rate Penalties and Fielding Restrictions
Over-rate tracking begins when the first ball of an innings is bowled. Match officials calculate whether bowling teams remain on schedule to complete 20 overs within 90 minutes, excluding authorized breaks.
If the 20th over does not commence within the allocated time frame, fielding restrictions activate immediately for all remaining overs. This penalty applies even if only minutes remain in the innings.
| Overs Completed vs Time | Trigger Point | Fielding Limit Applied | Match Continuation Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 overs bowled within 90-minute window | 20th over starts on time, no penalty | Normal fielding rules continue (5 fielders outside 30-yard circle permitted) | No operational changes to field placements |
| 19 overs bowled, 90-minute mark exceeded | 20th over delayed beyond time allocation | Maximum 4 fielders outside 30-yard circle for over 20 | Bowling team loses boundary protection in death over |
| 18 overs bowled, 90-minute mark exceeded | 19th over delayed beyond time allocation | Maximum 4 fielders outside 30-yard circle for overs 19-20 | Bowling team loses boundary protection for final two overs |
Time allowances exist for DRS reviews, injuries, and strategic time-outs. These stoppages do not count toward the 90-minute allocation. Captains receive warnings at over 15 if teams track behind schedule.
IPL Impact Player Rule and How It Works?
The ipl rules impact the player mechanism, which operates across three distinct phases: pre-match nomination, in-match usage authorization, and post-substitution restrictions. Each phase has specific operational requirements.
Teams declare five potential substitutes 30 minutes before the toss. One substitute may enter during the match at authorized moments. The replaced player exits permanently and cannot return.
| Pre-match Declaration | In-match Usage Window | Role Replacement | Overseas Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five substitute names submitted to match referee 30 minutes before toss | Before innings starts, after wicket falls, at over completion, when batter retires | Impact player can bat and bowl regardless of replaced player’s role | If overseas impact player used, starting XI limited to three overseas players |
| List cannot be modified after submission deadline | No mid-over substitutions permitted during active play | Replaced player’s bowling overs do not transfer to substitute | Four overseas players maximum at any moment during match |
If a batting team uses their substitute after their innings begins, the impact player cannot bat unless a wicket falls after substitution occurs. Bowling teams can substitute any time during authorized windows without batting restrictions.
The substitution process requires fourth umpire verification. Teams signal intent, paperwork is checked, and play pauses at the authorized moment for the exchange to complete.
IPL Playing Eleven Declaration Flexibility
Playing XI declaration operates on a two-stage timeline. Teams choose whether to lock lineups before or after the toss ceremony based on their preferred strategic approach.
| Declaration Stage | Tactical Purpose | Rule Allowance | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-toss declaration (60 minutes before scheduled start) | Lock lineup early to limit opponent’s tactical flexibility | Team sheet submitted before toss, no changes permitted after | Cannot adjust for pitch conditions or toss outcome |
| Post-toss declaration (within 10 minutes after toss) | Adjust lineup based on batting/bowling first decision and pitch assessment | Team sheet submitted after toss, lineup optimized for conditions | 10-minute deadline strictly enforced, late submissions rejected |
The IPL rules for playing 11 permit both timing options without penalty. Most teams utilize post-toss declarations to maximize lineup optimization opportunities. Once submitted, XIs cannot be modified except through authorized impact player substitutions.
IPL Fielding Movement Penalties Explained
Fielding movement penalties activate during the bowler’s delivery stride. Umpires monitor all fielder positions from the moment the bowler enters their final approach until the ball reaches the batter.
| Movement Timing | Batter Protection | Dead-ball Ruling | Penalty Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fielder moves significantly while bowler in delivery stride | Movement deemed unfair distraction by striker’s end umpire | Ball declared dead immediately, delivery does not count toward over | Five runs awarded to batting team, recorded as penalty extras |
| Wicket-keeper moves laterally before ball reaches batter | Premature movement deemed unfair by striker’s end umpire | Ball declared dead immediately, delivery does not count toward over | Five runs awarded to batting team, recorded as penalty extras |
The striker’s end umpire possesses sole authority to call movement penalties. No review mechanism exists for these decisions. Repeated violations result in match referee consultations after innings completion.
Overseas Player Rules in IPL Matches
Overseas player regulations operate across three stages: squad registration before the season, playing XI selection for each match, and impact player substitution during matches. Each stage has specific numerical limits.
| Squad Registration | Playing XI Limit | Substitution Condition | Compliance Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum 8 overseas players in 25-player squad registered before season | Maximum 4 overseas players in starting XI declared to match referee | If overseas impact player substitutes in, starting XI must contain only 3 overseas players | Maintain 4-player overseas maximum throughout match at any moment |
The four-player limit applies continuously from match start through completion. Teams cannot temporarily exceed the limit even during substitution exchanges. If an overseas impact player enters, an overseas starter must exit, or the starting XI must have begun with only three overseas players.
IPL Two Bouncers per Over Rule from 2024
The bouncer limit operates on a per-over basis. Each over begins with a zero bouncer count, allowing bowlers two short-pitched deliveries above shoulder height before restrictions activate.
Square leg umpires track bouncer counts throughout each over. After the second bouncer, any additional short-pitched delivery above shoulder height results in immediate no-ball signaling.
| Delivery Count | Legal Bouncer Limit | Excess Delivery Ruling | Safety Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| First and second deliveries above shoulder height in same over | Both legal, umpire signals bouncer count with horizontal arm extension | No penalty, over continues normally | Batter protection maintained through two-bouncer maximum |
| Third delivery above shoulder height in same over | Exceeds limit, automatically illegal | Called no-ball, one penalty run awarded, free hit on next delivery | Prevents excessive short-pitched bowling targeting batter |
Deliveries above head height constitute automatic no-balls regardless of bouncer count. The two-bouncer rule applies only to deliveries between shoulder and head height. Each new over resets the count to zero.
How IPL Rules Affect Match Strategy?
IPL new rules 2026 create phase-specific tactical considerations from pre-match preparations through post-match reviews. The following operational impacts occur across match stages:
Before Toss:
- Teams analyze whether pre-toss or post-toss XI declaration maximizes lineup flexibility
- Five impact player nominees are selected based on pitch forecast and opponent tendencies
- Overseas player distribution is calculated to preserve substitution options
- Bowling rotations are planned to meet over-rate requirements throughout innings
Powerplay (Overs 1-6):
- Field placements are restricted to two fielders outside the circle, requiring aggressive bowling strategies
- Teams calculate when to use the first review based on early dismissal importance
- Bouncer usage is managed to preserve short-ball options for later overs
- Impact player timing is assessed if early wickets fall or conditions differ from expectations
Middle Overs (Overs 7-15):
- Strategic time-outs occur in overs 6-9 (bowling team) and 13-16 (batting team)
- Over-rate progress is monitored to avoid fielding restrictions in death overs
- Second review is preserved for crucial middle-order dismissal opportunities
- Impact player substitution timing is finalized based on innings progression
Death Overs (Overs 16-20):
- Two-bouncer allowance provides additional containment options per over
- Teams manage final review for boundary-line decisions on wides and no-balls
- Over-rate penalties reduce boundary protection if the bowling team is delayed
- Field placements maximize boundary protection within five-fielder-out limits
Ipl Rules for Audience
Stadium attendance regulations establish operational procedures from entry through match conclusion. These standards apply to all spectators accessing IPL venues or consuming broadcast content.
| Entry Rules | In-stadium Conduct | Broadcast Interactions | Restricted Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid ticket or credential required for venue access | Remain in assigned seating areas throughout the match | DRS replays are shown on screens after the third umpire completes the review | No laser pointers or light-emitting devices directed at the field |
| Security screening before stadium entry | Follow security personnel’s instructions during play and breaks | Personal mobile recording permitted for non-commercial use | No projectiles or objects thrown toward the playing surface |
| The prohibited items list is enforced at the entry gates | No abusive language toward players, officials, or spectators | Commercial filming requires official accreditation | No pitch invasion or boundary line crossing |
Violations result in immediate warnings from venue security. Repeated infractions or serious first-time violations lead to ejection without ticket refunds. Banned spectator databases are maintained across all IPL venues.
FAQs
- What happens if a team declares their playing XI late in IPL rules and regulations 2025?
Match referees reject late submissions. Teams must field their previously submitted XI, or if no prior submission exists, face potential match forfeiture with the match awarded to opponents.
- When exactly can impact player substitutions occur during IPL matches?
Substitutions are permitted before innings start, immediately after wickets fall, at over completions, or when batters retire. No mid-over substitutions are allowed during active play.
- How do umpires track the two-bouncer limit per over?
Square leg umpires signal each bouncer with horizontal arm extensions. After two signals in one over, the third short-pitched delivery above shoulder height is automatically called no-ball.
- What technology is used during DRS reviews in IPL?
Third umpires access ball-tracking for trajectory, ultra-edge for contact detection, real-time snicko for audio confirmation, and multiple camera angles for visual verification.
- Where can official ipl rules pdf documents be accessed?
BCCI publishes playing conditions through IPL official platforms before each season. Teams receive updated documentation during pre-season briefings covering regulatory amendments.
- What triggers over-rate fielding restrictions during IPL matches?
If bowling teams fail to start their 20th over within 90 minutes of innings start (excluding authorized breaks), fielding restrictions immediately limit teams to four fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
- Can teams use their impact player multiple times during a match?
No. Each team is permitted exactly one impact player substitution per match. Once used, no additional substitutions are allowed regardless of the match situation.
- How do IPL rules for Players differ regarding overseas limits with impact players?
If teams substitute overseas impact players during matches, their starting XI must contain only three overseas players to maintain the four-player maximum at all times.
- What happens to reviews when an umpire’s call occurs in IPL?
Teams retain their review when ball-tracking shows the umpire’s call. The original on-field decision stands, but the challenging team does not lose their review count.
- Do strategic time-outs count against over-rate calculations?
No. Time-outs, DRS reviews, injury breaks, and drinks intervals receive time allowances excluded from the 90-minute innings allocation for over-rate assessments.
Conclusion:
The ipl rules and regulations 2026 establish phase-based operational frameworks governing all match proceedings.
Key timeline structures include:
- Pre-match: Impact player nominations 30 minutes before toss, XI declarations pre-toss or within 10 minutes post-toss
- Powerplay: Fielding restrictions overs 1-6, two-fielder-out maximum enforced
- Overs 6-9: Bowling team strategic time-out mandatory within the window
- Throughout innings: Two reviews per team, two bouncers per over, impact player substitution at authorized moments
- Overs 13-16: Batting team strategic time-out mandatory within the window
- Over-rate monitoring: Continuous tracking, penalties applied if the 20th over is delayed beyond 90 minutes
- Overseas limits: Four-player match maximum maintained across starting XI and substitutions
- Post-match: Conduct reviews, financial penalties for over-rate violations
These operational sequences structure all IPL fixtures across the 2026 season.
Also Check:
- Indian IPL Player Salary Tax Rules Explained
- Batting Rules in Cricket
- LBW in Cricket
- Tata IPL 2026 Schedule
About the Author
