The IPL’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has flagged a serious breach of tournament control, pointing to “unauthorised” individuals being allowed into restricted spaces during the ongoing season. The areas cited include team dugouts, match-day transport, team hotels, and the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), prompting the BCCI to remind franchises of the competition’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that the ACSU has already submitted a report to the BCCI about the matter. His comments indicate the league’s governing body is moving to tighten compliance around access and movement within regulated zones.
Quick facts
- The ACSU raised concerns about unauthorised people in dugouts, team buses, team hotels, and the PMOA during IPL matches.
- The ACSU report has been submitted to the BCCI.
- The BCCI plans to issue an advisory to franchises focused on strict adherence to tournament SOPs.
- BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cited irregularities, including owners/officials appearing in players’ areas where access is not permitted.
- Further violations could trigger “stringent action” from the BCCI and IPL.
Dhumal said the ACSU flagged “certain anomalies” and detailed the presence of unauthorised persons in the dugout, along with access seen on team transport and at team accommodation during matches. He added that PMOA protocols must be followed carefully and that the BCCI will ask franchises to remain mindful of the SOPs to restore the tournament’s integrity.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also said the league is dealing with “various anomalies and irregularities” during the current season. He noted that, in some instances, team owners and officials were spotted in players’ areas, which he said is against the rules.
Speaking on Thursday, Saikia said BCCI and IPL are preparing an advisory after observing repeated breaches. He pointed out that several unauthorised individuals have been seen moving with teams, and in some cases they have been present at hotels and even in players’ rooms or in rooms reserved for team officials—actions he described as incompatible with anti-corruption protocols.
Saikia further stated that the board has also seen certain team owners and officials mixing with players in zones where such interaction is not allowed. He said the BCCI is taking the issues “very seriously,” and that the advisory will be applied strictly. According to Saikia, any further violation will invite firm disciplinary measures from the BCCI and the IPL.
