The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a detailed eight-page advisory to all 10 Indian Premier League franchises, outlining strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed during the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
The directive was issued by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia after several incidents involving protocol violations during the tournament raised concerns within the cricket board.
The advisory reportedly covers issues related to discipline, security, player conduct, hotel protocols, restricted area access, and the use of prohibited substances.
Recent IPL Incidents Prompted BCCI Action
The BCCI’s latest move comes after multiple incidents during IPL 2026 attracted public attention. These included allegations of unauthorized phone use in the dugout and vaping inside team dressing rooms.
According to the advisory, the BCCI believes such incidents could damage the reputation of the tournament, franchises, and the governing body if not addressed immediately.
The board directed all franchises to ensure that every player, support staff member, and official strictly follows the new guidelines without exception.
BCCI Warns Teams About Potential ‘Honey Trap’ Risks
One of the most significant sections of the advisory focuses on security concerns and the risk of targeted “honey trap” situations involving players and support staff.
The BCCI stated that unauthorized individuals had allegedly been allowed into hotel rooms of players and support staff without the knowledge or approval of team management. The board warned franchises that such situations could lead to security threats, reputational damage, and serious legal complications.
Under the new rules:
- No unauthorized person can enter a player’s or support staff member’s hotel room without prior written approval from the Team Manager.
- Guests are only permitted in designated public areas such as hotel lobbies or reception lounges.
- Team managers must maintain records of approved visitors during the tournament.
The board emphasized that franchises must remain vigilant and proactive in preventing security-related risks.
Players Must Inform Officials Before Leaving Team Hotels
The BCCI has also directed players and support staff to inform Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs) before leaving team hotels for any purpose.
According to the new SOP:
- All movements outside the hotel must be communicated in advance.
- Team officials must maintain logs of player departures and returns.
- Records may be reviewed by the IPL Operations Team whenever required.
The directive aims to improve monitoring and ensure player safety during the tournament.
Strict Restrictions Imposed on Franchise Owners
The advisory also addresses conduct involving franchise owners during live matches.
The BCCI noted that some team owners had attempted to interact directly with players and support staff during matches in restricted zones such as dugouts and dressing rooms.
The board clarified that:
- Franchise owners and representatives are prohibited from entering restricted player areas during matches.
- Direct communication with players during live match situations is not allowed unless approved through official channels.
- All owner access must follow Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols.
Franchises have been instructed to brief owners and associates about these regulations before every match.
Vaping and Prohibited Substances Completely Banned
The BCCI also issued a strict warning against vaping and the use of prohibited substances inside IPL venues, dressing rooms, team hotels, and practice facilities.
The board stated that vapes and electronic cigarettes are prohibited under Indian law and warned that violations may attract disciplinary as well as legal consequences.
Team managements have been instructed to ensure that players and support staff are fully informed about the ban and that no prohibited substances are brought into team premises.
Franchises Ordered to Conduct Mandatory Team Briefings
Under the latest advisory, team managers must conduct mandatory briefings within 48 hours of receiving the directive.
Players and support staff will also be required to provide written acknowledgment confirming they have understood and accepted the rules.
Franchises have additionally been instructed to:
- Maintain guest approval systems
- Keep written visitor records
- Coordinate movement logs with security officials
- Report any violations immediately to IPL authorities
BCCI Warns of Strict Punishment for Violations
The BCCI has made it clear that non-compliance with the new SOPs will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.
Possible actions may include:
- Show-cause notices
- Financial penalties
- Suspension or disqualification from IPL matches or future seasons
- Referral to law enforcement authorities in cases involving legal violations
The board also stated that periodic audits and inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance across all IPL franchises.
