The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has warned IPL franchises and players against breaching anti-corruption and security protocols, with secretary Devajit Saikia stating that strict disciplinary action will follow any future violations.
Speaking on Thursday, Saikia revealed that the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are preparing a fresh advisory after noticing multiple “anomalies and irregularities” during the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
According to Saikia, the Board has observed unauthorised individuals travelling with teams, entering restricted zones, and even accessing players’ hotel rooms without approval, actions he said directly violate anti-corruption protocols.
“We have noticed unauthorised persons travelling with team members, including in team buses, and some individuals visiting team hotels and even players’ or officials’ rooms without authorisation. This is completely against our anti-corruption protocols,” Saikia said.
The BCCI secretary also expressed concern over team owners and officials entering restricted areas and interacting with players inside designated team zones, calling it a breach of the “sanctity of the dugout”.
The warning comes after multiple controversies involving Rajasthan Royals last month.
Team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh and issued a warning for allegedly using a mobile phone in the dugout during Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
In another incident, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was reportedly seen vaping inside the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.
Saikia stressed that the BCCI is no longer willing to tolerate protocol violations and made it clear that stricter monitoring measures are now being implemented.
“If there is any violation hereafter, the BCCI and IPL will take very stringent action. Whoever the violator may be, we will not spare anybody,” he said.