The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a refined set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ahead of IPL 2025, ensuring a more structured and professional outlook for the tournament. Among the key directives, players are now restricted from wearing floppies and sleeveless jerseys during post-match presentation ceremonies.

This move is reportedly aimed at maintaining decorum and ensuring a formal appearance during official events. According to India Today, the document outlining these SOPs covers crucial aspects such as practice guidelines, match-day protocols, and jersey number regulations.

These regulations stem from BCCI’s recent policy changes, first introduced after India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss in Australia. As part of these new measures:

• Personal managers are no longer allowed to travel with the team on the bus.
• The number of players’ family members on tour has been restricted.
• Family members will not be allowed inside dressing rooms, even on training days.

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While a multi-team competition like the IPL cannot implement identical regulations, several elements from India’s international team SOPs have now been incorporated into the league.

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League kicks off on March 22, featuring a blockbuster opening clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.

BREAKING: SLEEVELESS JERSEYS BANNED.❌

The BCCI has banned floppies and sleeveless jerseys during IPL post match presentation. pic.twitter.com/nyCRZx2U0Y

— The Blues (@TheBlues_IN) March 6, 2025

To ensure smooth tournament operations, the BCCI has introduced a structured list of SOPs across three key areas:

1. Practice Guidelines

• Each team will receive two nets in the practice area and one wicket on the main square for range hitting.
• No open nets will be permitted.
• If a team finishes practice early, the other cannot use additional wickets.
• Practice is strictly prohibited on match days.
• Fitness tests cannot be conducted on the main square on match days.
• Only accredited personnel are allowed inside the dressing room and field during practice.
• Players’ family members must travel separately and can watch practice only from the hospitality area.
• Teams must submit an approval list for extended support staff (such as net bowlers and throwdown specialists) to receive non-match day accreditation.
• Players must use the team bus for practice sessions, though teams can travel in batches.

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2. Match-Day Protocols

• Accredited staff must carry PMOA accreditation; failure to do so results in:
• First instance: Warning issued
• Second instance: Monetary fine imposed on the team
• Players should avoid hitting LED boards despite the availability of hitting nets.
• No one should sit directly in front of LED boards; designated spots for substitutes will be marked.
• Players must wear the orange and purple caps awarded to leading run-scorers and wicket-takers. Even if they prefer not to wear a cap, they must do so for at least the first two overs to ensure proper broadcast visibility.
• New Dress Code Regulation: Floppies and sleeveless jerseys are banned during post-match presentations.
• First violation: Official warning.
• The second violation is a financial penalty.
• Each team can have only 12 accredited support staff on match days, including the team doctor (as was the rule in IPL 2024).

3. Jersey Number Regulation

• Any changes to a player’s jersey number must be reported at least 24 hours in advance, as per BCCI’s clothing & equipment guidelines.