“This advisory has been issued following certain incidents noted during the ongoing season, and aims to reinforce the standards of professionalism, discipline, security awareness, and protocol compliance expected from all IPL stakeholders,” wrote BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to the CEOs of the 10 franchises, a copy of which is with PTI.
The eight-page document clarifies various breaches reported by the Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of BCCI.
In the ‘Preamble’, Saikia states: “The BCCI has identified incidents of misconduct and protocol violations involving players, support staff, and team officials during the current IPL season. If these matters are not addressed, they pose a significant reputational risk to the tournament, the respective franchise, and the BCCI as the governing authority. Such incidents could also expose individuals and franchises to serious legal and security risks.”
A major concern involves visits from “unauthorized persons” to players’ hotel rooms.
The document notes: “It has been observed that certain players and support staff have allowed unauthorized individuals to enter their hotel rooms without the knowledge or approval of the respective IPL franchise Team Manager. In several instances, the Team Manager was completely unaware of these visitors’ presence. This practice is now strictly prohibited effective immediately.
All players and support staff are required to follow a three-point directive.
a) No individual, regardless of their identity, relationship to team members, or stated purpose, shall be allowed to enter a player’s or support staff member’s hotel room without prior knowledge and explicit written permission from the Team Manager.
b) Guests and visitors must be received only in designated public areas of the hotel, such as the lobby or reception lounge. No guest shall be allowed in private hotel rooms unless specifically authorized in writing by the Team Manager.
c) The BCCI reminds all franchises to stay aware of the well-documented risks of targeted compromise and Honey Trapping that prevail in high-profile sports settings. The potential for incidents leading to serious legal allegations, including those concerning Indian laws on sexual misconduct, cannot be ignored. IPL franchises must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating these risks at all times.
Expectations for Franchise Owners
The document also addresses breaches by unnamed team owners who have failed to maintain the integrity of Players’ And Match Officials Access (PMOA).
“The BCCI has expressed concern that some IPL franchise owners have not complied with the PMOA protocol during matches. Specifically, instances have been observed where owners attempted to communicate with, approach, embrace, or otherwise physically engage with players during live match situations. While this may be well-intentioned, it directly contradicts established protocol and may interfere with team dynamics and match proceedings.
In response to this breach, a three-point guideline for the owners has been established:
a) IPL franchise owners and their representatives are strictly forbidden from communicating with or physically accessing players or team officials in the dugout, dressing room, or playing area during matches, except through approved channels.
b) All franchise owner access to restricted zones must adhere strictly to the PMOA Protocol as communicated by the IPL Operations Division. Any deviation will be treated as a serious violation.
c) Franchise management must ensure that IPL franchise owners and their associates are thoroughly briefed on applicable protocols before each match day.
Prohibition on Vaping and Use of Banned Substances
Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag’s vaping in the dressing room balcony during a match has caused significant reputational damage not only to the franchise but also to the BCCI.
Without naming Riyan, Saikia noted: “Instances of vaping in dressing rooms and other restricted areas of tournament venues have come to the BCCI’s attention. It is important to highlight that vapes and electronic cigarettes are prohibited under applicable Indian Law. Any individual found partaking in such activities within tournament premises is violating BCCI and IPL regulations and may also be committing a cognizable offense under the applicable legal framework.
“Therefore, the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and all prohibited substances is strictly banned in all IPL tournament venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels, and practice facilities.”
