The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a stern warning to IPL franchises about the dangers of 'targeted compromise and honey-trapping' during the league. In a comprehensive seven-page advisory sent to franchises on Thursday night, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cautioned teams against situations that could lead to 'serious legal allegations', including those related to 'sexual misconduct'. The board has simultaneously tightened security, access, and behavioral protocols around players, support staff, and franchise owners.
Stricter hotel room access rules
The BCCI has imposed stringent restrictions on access to players and support staff at team hotels. Prior written approval from the Team Manager is now mandatory for any outsider seeking entry into private rooms. The advisory states: 'No person, irrespective of their identity, relationship to the team member, or stated purpose, shall be permitted entry into a player's or support staff member's hotel room without the prior knowledge and explicit written approval of the Team Manager.' Additionally, guests and visitors must be received exclusively in designated public areas of the hotel, such as the lobby or reception lounge. No guest shall be escorted to private hotel rooms unless the Team Manager has specifically authorized the same in writing.
Unauthorised departures flagged
The BCCI has expressed concern over players and support staff leaving team hotels at 'irregular hours' without informing designated Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs). Such departures create significant security vulnerabilities. The advisory lays down clear movement protocols: all players and support staff must inform and obtain clearance from the SLO and/or TIO before leaving the team hotel at any hour. Any movement outside the hotel, whether personal, recreational, or otherwise, must be communicated in advance to the Team Manager and SLO. The SLO/TIO will maintain a contemporaneous log of all team movements, which can be inspected by the BCCI Operations Team.
Accreditation cards mandatory
The BCCI has taken serious note of certain team members refusing or hesitating to display accreditation cards during security checks. The board has directed that all players, support staff, officials, and franchise representatives must visibly wear accreditation cards at stadiums, hotels, and practice facilities. Accreditation cards must be produced immediately whenever sought by security personnel or IPL officials. Any non-compliant individual may be denied access to the venue until the issue is resolved and the incident formally reported.
Crackdown on owner-player interaction
The advisory addresses repeated violations of the Player and Match Official Access (PMOA) protocol by IPL franchise owners. The BCCI has observed instances of franchise owners attempting to communicate with, approach, hug, or otherwise physically interact with players and team members during live match situations. Under revised directives, franchise owners and representatives are barred from directly interacting with players or team officials in the dugout, dressing room, or playing area during matches. All owner-level access to restricted zones must strictly comply with PMOA protocol. Franchises have been asked to brief owners and associates on match-day conduct and access restrictions before every game.
Vaping and prohibited substances banned
One section of the advisory specifically deals with the prohibition on vaping and use of prohibited substances. The move comes after Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was earlier fined for vaping in the dressing room during a match. The advisory states that vaping within dressing rooms and other restricted areas of tournament venues has been brought to the BCCI's attention. The use of vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited under applicable Indian law. Any individual found engaging in such conduct within tournament premises is not only violating BCCI and IPL regulations but may also be committing a cognisable offence. The BCCI has strictly prohibited the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and prohibited substances inside dressing rooms, dugouts, hotels, and practice venues, as well as possession or circulation of such substances within team premises during the tournament.
Responsibilities fixed on team management
The advisory places direct responsibility on Team Managers and authorised franchise officials for ensuring compliance. Franchises have been instructed to conduct a mandatory team briefing within 48 hours of receiving the advisory, obtain written acknowledgement from all players and support staff confirming understanding of the directives, implement a formal guest approval system with daily written records, maintain movement logs in coordination with SLOs/TIOs, ensure franchise owners are fully briefed on PMOA protocols before every match, and immediately report any breach to the IPL Operations Division.
Surprise checks and disciplinary action
The BCCI has warned franchises that the IPL Operations Team may conduct surprise audits and inspections to assess compliance. Team Managers are required to maintain records of all approved guest visits and hotel movements. The board has further warned that any violation will be treated as a 'serious disciplinary matter', with possible consequences including show-cause notices, financial penalties, suspension or disqualification from IPL seasons, referral to law enforcement authorities in cases involving legal violations, and any additional action deemed necessary by the BCCI/IPL Governing Council.
