The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has voiced strong displeasure over how the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League has unfolded so far, pointing to a series of breaches and controversies that it believes threaten the integrity of the competition. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the situation is being treated with the utmost seriousness, and that the board is moving swiftly to address what it calls repeated protocol violations by franchises and individuals connected to teams.
Multiple controversies raise BCCI concerns
Saikia’s comments come after several incidents that drew attention both inside and outside match venues. Among the most discussed episodes was a Rajasthan Royals-related incident involving the use of a phone in a restricted space. The BCCI noted that Romi Bhinder, the media manager for the Royals, was seen using a mobile phone while in the players’ dugout, an area where such devices are not allowed.
Another concern highlighted by the BCCI relates to the presence of players’ personal companions during the tournament. The board pointed out that the girlfriends of some cricketers have been travelling with them, and that a number of those companions are social media influencers. The BCCI suggested that this combination could create a risk of sensitive match information being shared or leaked.
- Romi Bhinder of Rajasthan Royals was spotted using a mobile phone in the players’ dugout, a prohibited zone.
- Some players have been accompanied by girlfriends who are reportedly also social media influencers.
- Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal are cited as examples of cricketers seen with their girlfriends frequently.
- The BCCI also pointed to instances of unauthorised individuals moving around in the vicinity of players.
In addition, the BCCI referenced an on-camera vaping incident involving Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag. The board stated that Parag was caught vaping on camera, and it noted that the incident drew widespread criticism, particularly from former cricketers who felt the act set the wrong tone for younger fans and aspiring players.
Saikia also claimed that even some owners have been seen entering restricted areas, further worsening the public image of the league. The BCCI said the Bhinder and Parag incidents, in particular, generated significant negative attention for the tournament.
Saikia announces an advisory for all franchises
Speaking in detail, Saikia said the BCCI has identified what it calls “anomalies and irregularities” in the way certain teams and players have conducted themselves during the season. He added that later on Thursday, the board will release an advisory for all ten franchises, outlining what it believes they have not done correctly and what steps must be taken moving forward.
According to Saikia, the board has observed repeated issues involving unauthorised movement alongside squads. He said the advisory is being prepared specifically because there are concerns about people who are not permitted accessing team spaces.
- The BCCI will circulate an advisory to all 10 franchises later on Thursday.
- The advisory will outline both shortcomings observed so far and expected corrective behaviour.
- The board cited the movement of unauthorised persons with teams as a key reason behind the action.
Where BCCI says protocols are being “diluted”
Saikia’s statement also outlined the types of breaches the BCCI expects franchises to address. He said unauthorised individuals have been seen arriving at hotels and even reaching players’ rooms or team officials’ spaces, which he described as contrary to the board’s anti-corruption protocols.
He further argued that certain team owners and officials have been mixing with players in areas where such access is not permitted. The BCCI described this as a dilution of established rules and insisted that the coming advisory will be enforced strictly.
- Unauthorised individuals have reportedly been seen in hotel settings and in players’ rooms or officials’ rooms.
- The BCCI said this conflicts with anti-corruption protocols.
- Owners and officials have allegedly been seen interacting with players in restricted areas.
- The board characterised these developments as “dilutions” of required procedures.
Warning of stringent action for future violations
Saikia made it clear that the BCCI and the IPL are treating the matter seriously and expect compliance from every franchise. He said the advisory will be strictly followed and that any further breach will lead to firm consequences from the BCCI and the league.
In his message, Saikia stressed that the board has observed irregularities that must be corrected immediately and reiterated that violations after the advisory is issued will be met with stringent action.
