India, April 8 -- The BCCI has introduced another operational restriction for IPL teams, this time limiting the movement of benched players during matches. In the latest update to match-day regulations, players not among the 16 named on the team sheet will no longer be allowed to enter the field of play, even for routine duties such as carrying drinks, bats, or messages.

The move adds another layer to the board's tightening of IPL protocols this season and is understood to have been communicated to franchises recently. As per the updated rule, only those included in the 16-player match list can perform on-field substitute duties during the game. Even among those stationed outside the playing XI, movement near the boundary has now been sh...