New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has strengthened its disciplinary framework for the Indian Premier League by extending the reach of its Anti-Discrimination Code beyond the duration of player and staff contracts. Under the new directive circulated to all franchises, individuals associated with the league will continue to remain bound by the code for three months after their contracts expire.
The updated regulation ensures that players, team officials and other stakeholders remain accountable for their conduct even after their formal association with a franchise ends. The board will retain the authority to investigate incidents reported during this extended period, as well as any violations that may have occurred earlier while the individual was still under contract.
The Anti-Discrimination Code has been designed to safeguard the integrity, reputation and inclusiveness of the IPL. It prohibits any behaviour that could be interpreted as racially, culturally or religiously offensive. The regulations also cover language or gestures that may insult, threaten, intimidate or humiliate others on the basis of race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or other personal attributes.
The disciplinary framework outlines strict penalties for violations. A first offence can lead to a suspension ranging from four to eight matches. A second violation may result in a ban between eight matches and a lifetime suspension from the league. Any third or subsequent breach can attract a punishment extending from a one year suspension to a permanent ban from the tournament.
Apart from match bans, individuals found guilty of misconduct may also be required to participate in educational or counselling programmes aimed at addressing discriminatory behaviour.
Complaints and disciplinary cases under the code will be handled by the BCCI Ombudsman. The ombudsman will review reports of alleged violations and deliver binding decisions that franchises must implement without delay. However, the authority will not have the power to alter match results.
Match officials, umpires and team representatives will be allowed to report suspected breaches within 36 hours of an incident, triggering a formal investigation under the league’s disciplinary process.
