The advisory also addressed the conduct of IPL franchise owners during matches
Digital Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a strict advisory to all IPL franchises, warning them about the dangers of targeted honey-trapping, security breaches, and misconduct during the tournament.
In a seven-page guideline circulated to franchises on 7th May, evening, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia urged teams to remain alert against situations that could lead to serious allegations, including cases related to sexual misconduct. The advisory highlighted the growing risks faced in high-profile sporting environments and stressed the need for franchises to adopt proactive security measures at all times.
The BCCI has also imposed strict restrictions on visitors entering players’ and support staff members’ hotel rooms. According to the new protocol, no outsider will be allowed access to hotel rooms without prior written approval from the Team Manager. Guests will only be permitted in designated public areas such as hotel lobbies and reception lounges unless special permission is granted.
The cricket board further expressed concern over incidents where players and support staff reportedly left team hotels at irregular hours without informing Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs). Calling such actions a major security risk, the BCCI directed all team members to seek prior clearance before leaving hotels and to inform officials in advance about any personal or recreational movement outside team premises. Teams have also been instructed to maintain detailed movement logs for monitoring purposes.
In another directive, the BCCI mandated the compulsory display of accreditation cards at all IPL venues, including stadiums, practice facilities, and team hotels. The board stated that refusal or reluctance to show accreditation cards to authorised security personnel would be treated as a violation of security protocol, and offenders could be denied entry to venues.
The advisory also addressed the conduct of IPL franchise owners during matches. The BCCI observed instances where owners allegedly attempted to communicate with players or physically interact with them in dugouts and playing areas during live games. The board clarified that such actions violate Player and Match Official Access (PMOA) protocols and instructed franchise owners to avoid entering restricted zones or interfering with team proceedings during matches.
The BCCI additionally cracked down on vaping and the use of prohibited substances after reports emerged of a player vaping inside a dressing room. The board reminded franchises that vapes and e-cigarettes are banned under Indian law and warned that individuals violating the rule could face legal consequences along with disciplinary action under IPL regulations. The prohibition applies across all tournament venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, hotels, and practice facilities.
To ensure compliance, the BCCI has made Team Managers and authorised franchise officials jointly responsible for implementing the directives. Franchises have been instructed to conduct mandatory team briefings within 48 hours, obtain written acknowledgements from players and staff, maintain guest approval records, track team movements, and immediately report any breach of protocol to the IPL Operations Division.
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