BCCI cracks down on IPL franchises over protocol breaches

Hours after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia warned IPL franchises and players that the board “isn’t sitting idle” over repeated protocol breaches during IPL 2026, the BCCI issued a strict advisory to all 10 franchises regarding multiple violations related to discipline, conduct and security during the ongoing season.

In a seven-page document sent to all teams, Saikia warned that repeated violations could damage the reputation of the IPL, the franchises and the board itself. While the advisory did not mention any franchise, player or official by name, it highlighted several serious issues that have come to the board’s notice. These included unauthorised visitors entering hotel rooms, franchise owners interacting with players during matches, vaping at venues and players or officials leaving team hotels without approval.

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“It has come to the attention of the BCCI that certain incidents of misconduct and protocol violations have occurred involving players, support staff, and team officials during the course of the current IPL season,” Saikia said in the advisory.

“These incidents, if left unaddressed, carry the potential to cause significant reputational harm to the tournament, the franchise concerned, and the BCCI as the governing body. They may further expose individuals and franchises to legal liability and security risks of a serious nature.”

The advisory comes shortly after Saikia and IPL Governing Council chairman Arun Dhumal publicly raised concerns over the presence of unauthorised people within team environments.

Written approval from Team manager to meet players

One of the major concerns highlighted by the BCCI was the issue of visitors entering hotel rooms of players and support staff without proper approval. According to the advisory, several incidents were reported where team managers were unaware that outsiders had been allowed access to restricted hotel areas.

As per IPL protocol, all visitor requests must first be cleared through the team manager, who also has to inform the Anti-Corruption Unit official attached to the franchise. “In a number of instances, the Team Manager was entirely unaware of the presence of such visitors,” the advisory stated.

The BCCI has now made it mandatory for anyone visiting a player or support staff member’s room, including family members and friends, to receive written approval from the team manager. The board added that visitors should ideally meet players in the hotel lobby instead of private rooms.

Risks of honey-trapping

The advisory also warned franchises about the risks of corruption and “honey-trapping” in high-profile sporting events.

“BCCI draws the attention of all franchises to the well-documented risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping that pervade high-profile sporting environments. The possibility of incidents giving rise to serious legal allegations, including those under applicable laws on sexual misconduct, cannot be discounted. IPL franchise management must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks at all times,” it said.

Note for franchise owners

Another issue raised by the board was franchise owners attempting to interact with players and team officials during live matches. According to IPL rules, owners are only allowed to meet players after the game ends.

“Specifically, instances have been observed of IPL franchise owners attempting to communicate with, approach, hug, or otherwise physically interact with players and team members during live match situations,” the advisory said.

“Such conduct, however well-intentioned, directly contravenes established protocol and may constitute interference with team dynamics and match proceedings.”

The BCCI added that franchise owners and their associates are “strictly prohibited” from entering restricted zones such as dugouts, dressing rooms and playing areas during matches. Any breach of the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules would be treated as a serious violation.

Use of vapes banned at match venues

The advisory also addressed the use of vapes and e-cigarettes at IPL venues. The issue gained attention recently after Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag admitted to vaping inside the dressing room during their match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh last month.

The BCCI reminded franchises that vaping and electronic cigarettes are banned in India and using them could amount to a criminal offence under Indian law. The board stated that vapes, e-cigarettes and all prohibited substances are banned across match venues, dressing rooms, dugouts, training facilities and team hotels.

Random checks to be conducted

The BCCI also informed franchises that random checks would be conducted to ensure teams are following all rules and protocols.

“The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council wish to make unequivocally clear that any breach of the directives set out in this Advisory shall be treated as a serious disciplinary matter,” the advisory said.

The board warned that punishments for violations could range from show-cause notices and financial penalties to suspension or even disqualification from the IPL in current or future seasons.

The advisory further stated that cases involving legal offences, including prohibited substances, security breaches or harassment, could also be referred to law enforcement agencies. The BCCI clarified that the purpose of the advisory was not to create unnecessary restrictions, but to protect everyone involved in the tournament.

The board said the measures were necessary to safeguard stakeholders “from risks that are real, foreseeable, and, if not mitigated, deeply damaging.”