The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been cracking down on IPL 2026 following reports of multiple infractions related to security measures and corruption guidelines. Through a seven-page advisory letter, which can effectively be described as a security advisory warning, the Board informed all 10 franchises that such behavior was unacceptable. In recent months, concerns have been raised over player posting of social media videos, unauthorized entry into hotel premises by persons not part of the franchise, and general disregard of security protocols by team officials. Violation would lead to severe punishment.
The move by the BCCI comes against the backdrop of the IPL’s “reel culture” having crossed professional limits. This applies to not only active players but also retired cricketers, families of current players and influencers. Recent events that sparked the BCCI’s concerns include vaping in dressing rooms and use of mobile phones near dugouts.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has reported, “This time, we have observed various anomalies and irregularities in the conduct of certain franchises and players.”
He added that any future violation would attract “very stringent action”.
No Room for Unauthorised Visitors
The biggest problem is unauthorized persons gaining entry into team hotels as well as into the rooms of players. This has been flagged as a huge integrity issue by the BCCI, as it may lead to “honey traps.”
As per the new regulations, no guest, irrespective of his/her personal relationship with the player, can gain entry into the room of a player unless prior permission is granted in writing by the team manager. The ACU should also be notified about this. Apparently, there have been many instances of guests entering hotel floors without proper authorization.
Players Told to Follow Hotel Rules
BCCI has reported cases wherein players as well as supporting staff have left team hotels at night without seeking permission from security officials. Such unannounced movements are considered to be a matter of great importance regarding security and corruption.
It should be ensured that no player steps out without receiving prior consent from the security liaison officer and the team integrity officer while attending tournaments. The board wants tighter tracking of player movement to reduce avoidable risks.
Team Owners Kept Out of Restricted Areas
A problem also exists in connection with franchise owners and executives entering restricted areas when there is no match going on. As observed by the BCCI, some franchise owners have been seen meeting their players and officials in dugouts and locker rooms.
However, the advisory makes it clear that owners and executive members must be able to meet players only after a match ends. They cannot enter any restricted areas when the game is on.
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Dugout Conduct Under Sharp Focus
The board has also moved against behaviour inside the dugout and dressing room. Rajasthan Royals manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh after he was seen using a mobile phone near the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
In another case, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and given one demerit point after he was caught vaping in the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings. The BCCI considers phone use in restricted areas a major anti-corruption concern, while vaping at match venues is treated as misconduct.
The board has also warned former cricketers working as commentators against filming videos near players and officials. One former international player was reportedly stopped from recording content for his YouTube channel near the dugout. According to BCCI officials, the rise of short-form content and behind-the-scenes videos has led to several recent violations.
