New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stricter regulations for IPL players, support staff and franchise officials after multiple incidents of alleged misconduct and protocol violations during the ongoing season.

In a detailed advisory circulated to all 10 IPL franchises, the Board warned of possible “honey traps”, legal complications and serious security concerns linked to unauthorised access to team hotels and player areas.

The fresh directives were issued by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia following recommendations from the Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

BCCI restricts visitors to player hotel rooms

Under the new guidelines, guests will no longer be allowed to enter the hotel rooms of players, support staff or team officials without written permission from the respective team manager.

In the communication sent to franchise CEOs, Saikia stated that the advisory was necessary to reinforce discipline, professionalism and security awareness across the tournament.

He said the Board had noticed several incidents involving breaches of conduct during the current IPL season. According to the BCCI, these incidents could damage the image of the tournament, franchises and the Board itself if not dealt with immediately.

The advisory also warned that such actions could expose individuals and franchises to serious legal and security-related risks.

BCCI warns teams about ‘honey trap’ risks

The Board noted that some players and support staff had allowed unauthorised persons into their hotel rooms without informing team managers.

“In a number of instances, Team Manager was entirely unaware of the presence of such visitors,” the notification said, adding that the practice has now been banned with immediate effect.

The BCCI has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all players and support staff for the remainder of the tournament.

The advisory specifically referred to the dangers of targeted compromise and “honey trapping” in high-profile sporting environments. It also warned that situations involving unauthorised visitors could potentially lead to serious allegations under Indian laws related to sexual misconduct.

Franchises have been asked to remain alert and actively prevent such risks at all times.

Players cannot leave hotels without informing officials

The BCCI has also prohibited players and support staff from leaving team hotels at unusual hours without notifying the designated Security Liaison Officer (SLO) and Team Integrity Officer (TIO).

Saikia stated that periodic inspections could be carried out by the BCCI or IPL Operations Team to ensure the rules are being followed properly.

Any violation could result in disciplinary action, including financial penalties, suspension or even disqualification of the player, support staff member or official involved.

Franchise owners barred from player interaction during matches

The advisory further highlighted concerns regarding certain franchise owners allegedly violating the Players’ and Match Officials’ Access (PMOA) protocol.

According to the BCCI, there were instances where team owners attempted to approach, hug or directly communicate with players during live matches.

The Board said such actions, even if well-intentioned, interfere with established procedures and could disrupt team environments and match operations.

As a result, franchise owners and their representatives have now been barred from interacting with players or team officials inside dugouts, dressing rooms or playing areas while matches are in progress, unless done through approved channels.

The BCCI also clarified that all owner-level access to restricted zones must strictly follow PMOA guidelines issued by IPL operations authorities. Any deviation will be treated as a serious breach.

BCCI reiterates ban on vaping in IPL venues

The Board also addressed the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes after Riyan Parag was seen vaping on the dressing room balcony during a match, triggering controversy online.

Without naming the Rajasthan Royals captain directly, Saikia said activities prohibited under Indian law would not be tolerated within IPL premises.

The advisory reminded franchises that vapes and e-cigarettes are banned under Indian law and warned that anyone found using them within tournament venues could also be committing a punishable offence.

The use of vapes, e-cigarettes and other prohibited substances has now been strictly banned across all IPL venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, practice facilities and team hotels.

Agency inputs