Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stricter security and conduct guidelines for IPL teams, warning franchises about risks linked to unauthorised visitors, including possible “honey trap” situations and legal complications.
In a detailed advisory circulated to all 10 IPL franchises, the cricket board said players, support staff and team officials would no longer be allowed to bring guests into their hotel rooms without prior written approval from team management.
The directive follows what the board described as several instances of misconduct and violations of tournament protocols during the ongoing IPL season.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, in a communication addressed to franchise CEOs, said the measures were necessary to maintain professionalism, discipline and security standards throughout the tournament.
According to the advisory, the Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit flagged multiple cases where outsiders were granted access to player areas without the knowledge of team managers. The BCCI said such practices could damage the reputation of the league and expose individuals and franchises to serious legal and security concerns.
The Board has now made it mandatory for all franchises to follow a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Under the new rules, no guest can enter private hotel rooms occupied by players or officials unless written permission is provided by the team manager.
The advisory also cautioned franchises about the growing threat of targeted manipulation in high-profile sporting events. It noted that inappropriate interactions could potentially lead to allegations under Indian laws related to misconduct and personal safety.
Apart from regulating hotel access, the BCCI has directed players and support personnel not to leave team hotels at unusual hours without informing designated security and integrity officials assigned to the franchises.
The Board warned that surprise compliance checks may be conducted during the season. Any breach of the rules could result in disciplinary action, including fines, suspension or even disqualification from the tournament.
Owners Told to Stay Away During Matches
The advisory also addressed concerns regarding the conduct of some franchise owners during live games.
The BCCI observed that certain team representatives had attempted to approach or physically interact with players inside restricted areas during matches. The Board stated that such actions interfere with established match protocols and could disrupt team functioning.
As a result, franchise owners and their representatives have now been barred from entering restricted zones such as dugouts, dressing rooms and playing areas during matches unless specifically authorised through official channels.
Ban on Vaping Reiterated
The Board additionally reiterated its zero-tolerance approach toward vaping and electronic cigarettes within IPL venues.
The move comes after visuals of a player allegedly vaping during a match sparked widespread discussion on social media. While the advisory did not identify any individual, the BCCI reminded franchises that vaping products are prohibited under Indian law.
It clarified that the use of e-cigarettes, vapes or similar substances would not be permitted anywhere within IPL premises, including stadiums, practice facilities, dressing rooms and team hotels.
