IPL 2026: BCCI warns players, team owners over repeated breaches of protocols, issues stern advisory

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has issued an advisory for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises for violations regarding conduct, team discipline and security protocols. The board sent a seven-page advisory to all 10 teams on Thursday, mentioning that the breaches could significantly harm the reputation of IPL, the franchises and the cricket board.

Signed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the advisory did not name any particular franchise, player or team official, but highlighted areas of misconduct and protocol breaches that have taken place, including:

• unauthorised visitors in hotel rooms
• Franchise owners interacting in person with players and team officials in restricted areas during live match
• Vaping at a match venue
• Leaving team hotels without authorisation

"It has come to the attention of the BCCI that certain incidents of misconduct and protocol violations have occurred involving players, support staff, and team officials during the course of the current IPL season. These incidents, if left unaddressed, carry the potential to cause significant reputational harm to the tournament, the franchise concerned, and the BCCI as the governing body. They may further expose individuals and franchises to legal liability and security risks of a serious nature,” Saikia said in the advisory as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Earlier on Thursday, both Saikia and IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal had flagged various incidents regarding the presence of unauthorised personnel in the areas strictly meant only for players and support staff. 

The advisory also brought to light several incidents involving players and support staff members, allowing people access to their hotel rooms without prior permission from the team manager, which is mandatory.

BCCI limits entry of outsiders into players' rooms

According to the IPL protocols, the team manager must be informed about hotel-room access by outsiders in advance, who will authorise it and also inform the ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) team member travelling with the franchise.

"In a number of instances, the Team Manager was entirely unaware of the presence of such visitors," the advisory said.

From now on, anyone entering the player/support staff member's room would need written approval from the team manager. The rule is also applicable to family members, friends, or any other person. Guests and visitors can meet at the hotel lobby, as per the advisory.

The BCCI also highlighted the risks of honey-trapping that may exist in the environment of high-profile sporting leagues such as the IPL.

"BCCI draws the attention of all franchises to the well-documented risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping that pervade high-profile sporting environments. The possibility of incidents giving rise to serious legal allegations, including those under applicable laws on sexual misconduct, cannot be discounted. IPL franchise management must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks at all times,” said the board in the advisory.

Team owners warned for violating PMOA protocol

The issue of team owners interacting with players or other members during a live match was also highlighted, which is against the IPL protocol. The owners are only allowed to meet with the team once the match is over.

"Specifically, instances have been observed of IPL franchise owners attempting to communicate with, approach, hug, or otherwise physically interact with players and team members during live match situations," the advisory said. "Such conduct, however well-intentioned, directly contravenes established protocol and may constitute interference with team dynamics and match proceedings."

The advisory warned the owners and their associates not to breach the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, which would be counted as a "serious violation."

Usage of e-cigarettes and vapes banned

Another serious misconduct, flagged by the regulatory authorities, was the usage of vapes and prohibited substances on the ground and in the dressing room. Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag was caught vaping inside the dressing room by the cameras during Match 40 against Punjab Kings (PBKS). He admitted to his offence and was fined 25% of his match fee, along with one demerit point.

The BCCI mentioned that the usage of vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited in India, and hence the players wouldn’t just be breaching IPL protocol but also committing a cognisable offence under the national law.

The board will also conduct random checks to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines in the advisory is maintained. It also mentioned that strict sanctions will be imposed for any breaches, which may also lead to suspension or disqualification from the IPL in the ongoing or even subsequent seasons.

 "The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council wish to make unequivocally clear that any breach of the directives set out in this Advisory shall be treated as a serious disciplinary matter," the advisory said. The sanctions range from being issued a show-cause notice to financial penalties, suspension or disqualification from the IPL in the ongoing or even subsequent seasons.”

Protocol breaches may lead to suspension for multiple seasons

The board will also conduct random checks to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines in the advisory is maintained. It also stated that strict sanctions will be imposed for any breaches, which may also lead to suspension or disqualification from the IPL in the ongoing or even subsequent seasons.

 "The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council wish to make unequivocally clear that any breach of the directives set out in this Advisory shall be treated as a serious disciplinary matter," the advisory said. The sanctions range from being issued a show-cause notice to financial penalties, suspension or disqualification from the IPL in the ongoing or even subsequent seasons.”