IPL Stadium Entry Rules: Tickets, ID, Banned Items & Venue Guides
Going to an IPL match? Every stadium has its own gates, parking and transport plan, but the entry rules are broadly the same across venues: carry a valid ticket on your phone, use the gate printed on it, arrive early, and leave power banks, bags and outside food at home. This guide covers the rules that apply almost everywhere, with links to our detailed guide for each IPL stadium.
Rules are set by each franchise, state association and local police, and can change during the season. Always read the instructions on your ticket.
Tickets and ID
- Buy only from the franchise’s official ticketing partner (for example District / Paytm Insider or BookMyShow, depending on the team and season). Tickets from resellers can be cancelled.
- Most IPL tickets are now digital, with a QR code in the ticketing app that’s scanned at the gate. At some venues a live QR code in the app is required and screenshots may not scan, so keep your phone charged.
- Use the gate printed on your ticket. Gates are spread around each stadium, sometimes on different roads.
- Carry a government photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, driving licence, or the DigiLocker version) in case it’s asked for at security.
- Children: franchises usually require a ticket for children above a set age. The age differs by team, so check the terms on the ticketing page before buying.
Things not allowed in IPL stadiums
These items appear on the prohibited lists of most IPL venues (including Chepauk, Uppal, Chinnaswamy, Wankhede and Narendra Modi Stadium):
- Power banks, chargers and cables, and at several venues earphones, laptops, tablets and other gadgets
- Bags and backpacks (some venues allow only a small purse or clutch)
- Outside food, water bottles, cans and thermos flasks
- Helmets and umbrellas
- Coins, metal objects and sharp items
- Cigarettes, lighters, matchboxes, gutka and pan masala
- Cameras, binoculars, selfie sticks and laser pointers
- Banners, flags on sticks, firecrackers and musical instruments
Most stadiums have no cloakroom, so items found at the gate are usually confiscated and not returned.
When to reach the stadium
Gates usually open 2–3 hours before the first ball. For a 7:30 PM match, several venues opened gates around 4:30 PM in IPL 2026. Security has two layers at most grounds, so aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before the start.
Stadium-by-stadium guides
Nearest metro, parking, drop-off points and venue-specific rules:
- Chepauk (MA Chidambaram), Chennai: CSK
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai: MI
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi: DC
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata: KKR
- M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: RCB
- Uppal (Rajiv Gandhi) Stadium, Hyderabad: SRH
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: GT
- Ekana Stadium, Lucknow: LSG
- Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur: RR
- Mullanpur (New Chandigarh): PBKS
- HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
- Barsapara (ACA) Stadium, Guwahati
Also see our IPL stadium parking guide and IPL ticket GST and refund rules.
Frequently asked questions
Are power banks allowed in IPL stadiums?
No. Power banks and chargers are banned at almost every IPL venue, so charge your phone fully before you leave.
Do I need a physical ticket for an IPL match?
Usually not. Most IPL tickets are digital QR tickets scanned at the gate. Follow the instructions on your ticket, as a few categories or venues may differ.
Can I carry a bag to an IPL match?
Generally no. Backpacks and bags are banned at most venues, and some allow only a small purse. There’s usually no cloakroom.
Is water available inside the stadium?
You can’t bring your own bottle. Drinking water and other drinks are available to buy inside the stadium.
What time should I reach for a 7:30 PM IPL match?
Gates usually open 2–3 hours before. Aim to arrive by about 6:00 PM to clear security comfortably.
Related guides
Compiled from official stadium and police advisories for IPL 2026. Easy Guide India is not affiliated with the BCCI, IPL or any franchise.