Mumbai: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has warned. IPL Franchises about the risks of ‘targeted compromise and honeytrapping’ during the league, while also tightening security, access and behavioral protocols around players, support staff and franchise owners. In a detailed seven-page advisory sent to franchises on Thursday night, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia warned teams against situations that could lead to ‘serious legal charges’, including allegations of ‘sexual misconduct’, and asked franchisees to be ‘vigilant and proactive’ at all times.“The BCCI draws the attention of all franchises to the well-documented dangers of targeted compromise and honeytrapping that pervade the high-profile sports environment. The possibility of incidents giving rise to serious legal charges cannot be ruled out, including under applicable sexual misconduct laws. IPL franchise management should be vigilant and proactive at all times to mitigate such risks,” Saikia said in the advisory.
TOI has a copy of the seven-page guidelines issued to franchisees.
Strict hotel room access rules
The BCCI has imposed strict restrictions on access to players and support staff in team hotels, mandating the prior written approval of the team manager for any outsider to enter private rooms.“(a) No person, regardless of identity, relationship to a team member, or stated purpose, shall be permitted to enter the hotel room of a player or support staff member without the prior knowledge and express written approval of the team manager.(b) Guests and visitors shall be received exclusively in designated public areas of the hotel such as the lobby or reception lounge. No guests will be escorted to private hotel rooms unless authorized in writing by the team manager,” the advisory said.
Unauthorized departures from team hotels flagged.
The BCCI has also expressed concern over players and support staff leaving the team hotel at “illegal hours” without informing the designated Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs).“Incidents of players and support staff leaving team hotels at irregular hours without notifying designated Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs) have been noted. Such departures pose significant security risks and expose individuals to risks that cannot be mitigated if the relevant officials are unaware.”The advisory sets out clear movement protocols:
- All players and support staff must notify and obtain clearance from the SLO and/or TIO before leaving the team hotel at any time.
- Any movement outside the hotel – personal, recreational or otherwise – must be notified in advance to the Team Manager and the SLO.
- The SLO/TIO shall maintain a contemporaneous log of all team movements, which may be inspected by the BCCI Operations Team.
Accreditation cards are mandatory at all locations.
BCCI has also taken serious notice of some team members refusing or hesitating to show their accreditation cards during the security check.“It has been brought to notice that some team members have shown reluctance to present their accreditation cards for verification when requested by authorized security personnel. This behavior is unacceptable and a violation of basic event security protocols,” the advisory said.The Board has directed that:
- All players, support staff, officials and franchise representatives must wear the accreditation card visibly in stadiums, hotels and practice facilities.
- The accreditation card must be produced immediately whenever called for 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 is properly reported.
BCCI cracks down on owner-player interactions during matches.
The advisory also reveals what the BCCI sees as repeated violations of Player and Match Official Access (PMOA) protocols by IPL franchise owners.“The BCCI has noted that some IPL franchise owners have not adhered to the Player and Match Official Access (PMOA) protocol during matches,” Saikia wrote.“Specifically, there have been instances of IPL franchise owners interacting, approaching, hugging, or otherwise physically interacting with players and team members during live match situations. Such conduct, however well-intentioned, directly violates established protocol and may interfere with team dynamics and match proceedings.”Under the revised guidelines:
- Franchise owners and representatives are prohibited from communicating directly 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 inform owners and partners of matchday conduct and access restrictions before each game.
Vaping and banned substances are prohibited.
A section of the advisory specifically deals with the “ban on vaping and the use of prohibited substances”. The move comes after the Rajasthan Royals captain. Ryan Prague Earlier, he was fined for vaping in the dressing room during the match.“Incidents of vaping inside the dressing room and other restricted areas of the tournament have been brought to the attention of the BCCI. It is pertinent to note that the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited under applicable Indian law,” the advisory said.“Any person found indulging in such conduct on the premises of the tournament is not only in violation of BCCI and IPL regulations but may also commit an offense punishable under the applicable legal framework.”BCCI therefore strictly prohibits:
- Use of vapes, e-cigarettes and contraband inside dressing rooms, dugouts, hotels and practice venues.
- Possession or circulation of such substances on team premises during the tournament.
The team management has also been asked to ensure that all players and support staff are “unequivocally informed” about the ban.
Determining responsibilities on team management
The advisory places direct responsibility on team managers and authorized franchise personnel to ensure compliance with the new protocol.Franchisees are instructed to:
- Conduct a mandatory team briefing within 48 hours of receiving the advisory.
- Obtain written acknowledgment from all players and support staff confirming understanding of the instructions.
- 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 the PMOA protocol prior to each match.
- Report any violations immediately.
IPL Operations Division . - Surprise check and disciplinary action
The BCCI has also warned franchisees that the IPL operations team may conduct surprise audits and inspections to assess compliance with the new guidelines.“The BCCI / IPL Operations Team may conduct periodic checks to assess compliance with the instructions contained in this advisory. Team managers are required to maintain records of all approved guest visits and hotel movements,” Saikia wrote.The board further warned that any violation would be viewed as a “serious disciplinary matter”, with possible consequences including:
- Show Cause Notice
- Financial penalties
- Suspension or disqualification from the IPL season
- Referral to law enforcement authorities in matters involving legal violations
- Any additional action deemed necessary by the BCCI/IPL Governing Council
“The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council wish to make it very clear that any violation of the guidelines contained in this advisory will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter,” the note added.
