In a major development during the IPL 2026 season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has cracked down on multiple instances of protocol violations involving players, support staff, franchise owners, and officials. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has reportedly issued a detailed eight-page directive to all 10 IPL franchises, warning them of serious breaches that could lead to legal complications, security threats, and reputational damage for both the tournament and the teams involved.
According to the communication sent to franchise CEOs, the BCCI expressed concern about “certain incidents” that occurred during the ongoing IPL season. Saikia stressed that maintaining professionalism, discipline, and security awareness is essential for protecting the image and integrity of the league, which remains one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
In the advisory’s preamble, the BCCI stated that several incidents involving misconduct and protocol violations had already been noticed this season. The board warned that if such behaviour continues unchecked, it could expose franchises and individuals to serious legal liabilities and create major security risks for players and team environments.
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One of the most significant concerns highlighted by the BCCI was the issue of unauthorised visitors entering players’ hotel rooms without team management’s approval. The board noted that, in several cases, franchise team managers were completely unaware that players or support staff had allowed outsiders into private hotel spaces.
The BCCI has now made it clear that no individual, regardless of personal relationship or status, can enter a player’s or staff member’s room without prior written permission from the team manager. The board has instructed franchises that all guests must be received only in designated public areas, such as hotel lobbies or reception lounges, unless explicit written approval is granted.
🚨 THE BCCI ISSUES 7 PAGE GUIDELINES FOR THE IPL TEAMS. 🚨
▶️ Remain vigilant against potential honey trapping risks during the IPL.
▶️ Outsiders not allowed in team member’s rooms without prior approval of team manager.
▶️ Players and coaching staff cannot leave the team…
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 8, 2026
The advisory also carried a strong warning regarding potential “honey trapping” and targeted compromise attempts, which the BCCI believes are genuine risks in high-profile sporting tournaments. The board cautioned franchises that such situations could potentially lead to legal allegations, including cases linked to Indian laws surrounding sexual misconduct, making vigilance absolutely necessary.
Another major issue raised by the BCCI involved IPL franchise owners allegedly breaching the Players and Match Officials Access (PMOA) protocol during live matches. According to the directive, some team owners were seen attempting to approach players in the dugouts, physically interact with them, or communicate during active matches.
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The BCCI stated that even well-intentioned interactions could interfere with team dynamics and disrupt match proceedings. As a result, franchise owners and their representatives are now strictly prohibited from entering restricted zones, such as dugouts, dressing rooms, and playing areas, during matches unless approved through official channels.
Franchises have also been instructed to ensure that all owners and associated personnel are fully briefed about IPL operational protocols before every game. Any deviation from the PMOA guidelines will now be treated as a serious violation by the board.
The latest directive also touched on disciplinary issues in dressing rooms following a recent controversy involving Riyan Parag allegedly vaping inside the Rajasthan Royals dressing room. The incident reportedly resulted in a hefty fine for the player and prompted the BCCI to reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on prohibited substances.
Saikia reminded franchises that vaping devices and electronic cigarettes are banned under Indian law. He added that using such products within IPL venues, team hotels, dressing rooms, dugouts, or training facilities could amount to a punishable offence under the country’s legal framework.
The strong advisory reflects the BCCI’s growing concern over maintaining discipline and safeguarding the IPL’s global reputation. With the tournament entering its crucial phase, the board appears determined to ensure that every stakeholder strictly follows protocol both on and off the field.
