New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a strict eight page directive to all 10 IPL franchises after identifying several instances of misconduct and protocol violations during the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The advisory warns teams, players, support staff, and franchise owners about security threats, disciplinary breaches, and legal risks that could damage the reputation of the tournament.
The directive highlights concerns over unauthorised individuals being allowed into players’ hotel rooms without the knowledge or approval of team managers. According to the BCCI, several incidents were reported where visitors gained access to players and support staff in private hotel areas, raising major security concerns.
The board has now made it mandatory that no visitor, regardless of their identity or relationship with the player, can enter hotel rooms without prior written approval from the team manager. Guests are only permitted in designated public areas such as hotel lobbies or reception lounges unless special approval is granted.
The BCCI also warned franchises about the growing risks of “targeted compromise” and honey trapping in high profile sporting environments. The advisory stated that such situations could potentially lead to serious legal allegations and security threats if proper precautions are not followed.
Another major concern raised in the directive involves franchise owners violating Players and Match Officials Access protocols during live matches. The board observed incidents where team owners attempted to communicate with or physically interact with players inside dugouts and restricted areas while matches were in progress.
Franchise owners and their representatives have now been strictly barred from entering restricted zones or interacting with players during matches except through approved channels. Teams have also been instructed to brief owners and associates about all operational protocols before every match day.
The BCCI additionally cracked down on vaping and electronic cigarette use inside IPL venues following a recent incident involving Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag. The board reminded franchises that vaping is prohibited under Indian law and announced a complete ban on vapes and e-cigarettes across dressing rooms, dugouts, hotels, and practice facilities linked to the tournament.
