‘Honey trap’ alert: Why BCCI is banning late-night hotel guests, reels and more for IPL stars

Bengaluru: Concerns regarding social media content filmed in restricted zones, unapproved excursions, and the increasing frequency of interactions between cricketers and digital influencers have prompted a rigorous new advisory from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are now moving quickly to implement these directives while attempting to navigate the delicate balance of athlete privacy.

The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) recently highlighted the presence of unauthorised guests in the private quarters of players and staff, specifically warning of the risk posed by "honey traps." The resulting advisory imposes strict limits on hotel visitors and mandates that players provide security personnel with detailed accounts of their movements.

A primary focus of the Board's frustration involves "excessive proximity" between athletes and influencers hired for short-term content creation. In one noted breach, a junior player reportedly utilised members of a team’s content department to produce videos and photographs for his personal accounts. The production took place within the stadium’s boundary lines—capturing sensitive training footage—and eventually moved into the players’ hotel room.

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The influencer involved subsequently used the material on his own private channels to increase his following, an act that reportedly did not amuse board officials.

"Yes, we have received a new set of rules from the BCCI, and steps are being taken to follow them with diligence," a franchise official told PTI. "The new crop of players are so much into this social media activity. Yes, it is a modern trend, we accept it. But it has to be done within the limit set by the BCCI."

The official admitted that monitoring every individual interaction remains a challenge, but emphasised a strategy of education. "What we are trying to do is to make the players and content teams more aware of the BCCI norms, and the consequences if they break them," the official said, adding that teams are now reducing the size of their temporary content staff to mitigate risk.

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Security Breaches and Unauthorised Guests

The ACU’s scrutiny intensified after a player was discovered hosting multiple guests in his room late into the night on a frequent basis. When questioned by an ACU officer, the team manager’s response was described as "casual and disinterested," with the manager defending the player based on his veteran status.

A former IPL team manager noted that senior players often use their influence to bypass security protocols.

"I am not surprised. At times, the players use their stature within the team to bend the rules," the former official said. "I told him there are some board instructions on such matters. He just snapped: 'You don't worry. I will tell the board (officials), if they ask.'"

To combat this, franchises have issued directives requiring at least verbal permission before inviting family or friends to team hotels. New guidelines specify that guests are not permitted after 10 p.m. and meetings must occur in public areas, such as the lobby, where they remain accessible to team officials.

The Challenge of Enforcement

The difficulty of imposing these rules was illustrated by another incident in which a player, believed to have a close relationship with franchise ownership, ignored repeated calls from team officials and returned to the hotel late at night with a large group. The matter was reportedly ignored by management.

Franchise leaders acknowledge that while "constant checks" are necessary, they must not become overly intrusive.

"I agree that sometimes rules are not followed in letter and spirit or sometimes some exemptions will be given to the players," a franchise official said. "We will also be in talks with the BCCI as to how to implement this particular rule without any issue."

With inputs from PTI