IPL 2026: No water bottles, banners, binoculars allowed at Uppal Stadium; check banned items list

Hyderabad: Ahead of the IPL clash between SRH and LSG, Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate has issued dos and don’ts for the spectators at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal.

Police have adopted a `zero-tolerance’ policy regarding prohibited items to ensure the safety and security of the approximately 39,000 spectators who are expected to attend the matches between April 5 and May 22.

Spectators are strongly advised to travel light, as security personnel at the stadium gates will be conducting thorough checks. Authorities have explicitly stated that no cloakroom facilities will be available at the stadium premises. Consequently, any prohibited items carried by fans will be confiscated at the entry gates and will not be stored.

Prohibited Items List

To prevent untoward incidents and ensure a seamless entry process, the following items are strictly banned inside the stadium:

Electronics: Laptops, cameras, batteries, and electronic gadgets of any kind.

Personal Accessories: Handbags, backpacks, helmets, ear pads, and key chains.

Stationery & Tools: Writing pens, binoculars, and laser pointers.

Safety Hazards: Sharp metal or plastic objects, flammable substances, and weapons.

Consumables: Water bottles, outside eatables, cigarettes, matchboxes, and lighters.

Miscellaneous: Banners and pet animals.

Important Guidelines for Spectators

Beyond the list of banned items, the police have shared essential tips to help fans enjoy the match day without hassle:

Arrival Time: Stadium gates will open three hours prior to the scheduled start of the match. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid long queues at the security checkpoints.

Digital Ticketing: Starting from the match scheduled on April 13, 2026, the stadium will move to a mandatory digital ticketing system for entry.

Transportation: To mitigate the extreme traffic congestion expected in the Uppal area, the police strongly recommend using public transport, such as RTC buses and the Hyderabad Metro Rail services, rather than private vehicles.

Seating Etiquette: HCA and SRH authorities have streamlined the seating process by allotting specific seat numbers for every gallery. Spectators are requested to follow their assigned seat numbers for an orderly experience.

Security Measures

The stadium will be under 24/7 surveillance with a network of 430 CCTV cameras, managed by a dedicated Joint Command and Control Room. Additionally, specialized units, including Bomb Disposal (BD) teams, sniffer dogs, and anti-eve-teasing 'SHE Teams,' will be stationed throughout the venue to maintain public safety and decorum.

Police have warned that special teams will also be patrolling the perimeter to watch for the illegal sale of "black tickets" and unauthorized vendors. Fans are advised to cooperate with security personnel and adhere to these regulations for a smooth match-day experience.