The BCCI has issued a fresh warning to IPL franchises after concerns over repeated breaches of match-day protocols, including owners allegedly entering restricted zones and interacting inappropriately with players and support staff during games. The league’s governing body says it has grown increasingly concerned about compliance, and has signalled that further lapses will be met with firm disciplinary consequences.
BCCI’s latest directives and the concerns behind them
- The BCCI has taken “serious note” of repeated violations of the guidelines circulated to franchises in the IPL.
- In recently released instructions, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia directed franchise owners to remain away from the playing area and to avoid any physical or verbal contact with players or team officials during matches.
- The board claims that, on multiple occasions, some owners did not follow the protocols, leaving it dissatisfied with how the rules are being respected.
- To underline the seriousness of the issue, the board has told franchises that additional breaches will trigger strict action.
- A league official familiar with the BCCI’s policing process pointed to evidence such as photographs showing owners close to the dugout and said some have allegedly brought phones onto the ground, despite prior warnings.
The BCCI’s tougher approach also comes alongside earlier concerns it had raised with all 10 franchises heading into the 2026 season. The board had already issued a formal note warning teams about potential “honey-trap” risks, reflecting its view that targeted compromise can occur in high-profile sporting settings.
Why the BCCI is tightening controls
- The BCCI has adopted a more stringent stance to reduce the likelihood of serious allegations, including those related to sexual misconduct, involving players or officials involved in the T20 tournament.
- In his statement to franchises, Saikia highlighted the documented dangers of targeted compromise and honey-trapping that can surface around major sports events.
- He noted that incidents could escalate into grave legal issues, including cases connected to applicable laws on sexual misconduct.
- Saikia urged franchise management to remain vigilant and to take proactive steps to limit such risks at all times.
Saikia’s message was issued as a seven-page set of guidelines released on Thursday, with the BCCI stressing that franchises must treat risk mitigation as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-off exercise.
Hotel room checks and disciplinary readiness
- The BCCI has set up a task force that includes personnel from the BCCI and the IPL Operations team.
- That group will be responsible for conducting hotel room checks.
- If any instance of unauthorised access is identified, the board says strong disciplinary action will follow.
- The BCCI has also indicated that potential punishments have already been outlined as part of the enforcement plan.
