The BCCI has issued one of its strongest advisories in recent IPL history, warning franchises and players about the dangers of ‘targeted compromise and honey-trapping’ during the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
In a detailed seven-page communication sent to all franchises on Thursday evening, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia warned that players and team officials could become vulnerable to situations involving serious allegations, including sexual misconduct and security breaches. The advisory comes after the IPL’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) flagged multiple irregularities during the tournament, including unauthorised individuals entering team hotels, dugouts and restricted zones.
“The 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,” Saikia wrote.
No outsiders in hotel rooms, strict movement rules enforced
One of the biggest directives in the advisory is a complete restriction on unauthorised visitors entering players’ hotel rooms. As per the new rules, nobody, regardless of personal relationship, can enter a player or support staff member’s room without prior written approval from the team manager.
BCCI’s new hotel room rules
| Rule | Directive |
|---|---|
| Visitors in rooms | Strictly prohibited without written approval |
| Meetings with guests | Allowed only in public hotel areas |
| Team hotel exits | Mandatory intimation to SLO/TIO |
| Accreditation cards | Must be displayed at all times |
| Dugout interaction | Owners barred from approaching players |
“(a) No person, irrespective of their identity, relationship to the team member, or stated purpose, shall be permitted entry into a player’s or support staff member’s hotel room without the prior knowledge and explicit written approval of the Team Manager,” the advisory stated.
“(b) Guests and visitors shall be received exclusively in designated public areas of the hotel, such as the lobby or reception lounge.”
The BCCI has also taken serious note of players leaving team hotels at odd hours without informing security officers.
“Instances have been noted of players and support staff leaving team hotels at irregular hours without informing the designated Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officer (TIOs). All players and support staff must inform and obtain clearance from the SLO and/or TIO before departing from the team hotel at any hour,” Saikia wrote.
BCCI cracks down on owners, vaping and PMOA violations
The advisory also targets franchise owners and officials who have reportedly breached Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols during live matches. The board specifically warned against owners entering dugouts, hugging players or interacting with team personnel during games.
“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 BCCI said. “Such conduct, however well-intentioned, directly contravenes established protocol.” The board also addressed vaping incidents that surfaced earlier this season involving players.
“Instances of vaping within the dressing room and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to the BCCI’s attention. It is pertinent to note that the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited under applicable Indian law,” Saikia wrote. The BCCI confirmed that surprise inspections and periodic audits will now be conducted during the tournament.
Possible punishments under new IPL advisory
| Violation | Possible Action |
|---|---|
| SOP breach | Show-cause notice |
| Security violation | Financial penalty |
| PMOA breach | Suspension/disqualification |
| Prohibited substances | Referral to law enforcement |
| Repeat offence | IPL ban |
The IPL has already witnessed multiple off-field controversies this season. Romi Bhinder, mentor of Rajasthan Royals youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, was fined INR 1 lakh after being spotted using a mobile phone inside the dugout during a match. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was also fined 25 per cent of his match fees after being caught vaping during a game against Punjab Kings.
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