The BCCI has quietly circulated a seven-page note to all ten IPL franchises, unhappy with what it describes as a string of avoidable breaches this season. The advisory, signed by board secretary Devajit Saikia, warns that the lapses could “cause significant reputational harm” to the competition, the clubs involved and the board itself.
First, the headlines. According to the document, problems range from unauthorised guests in players’ hotel rooms to owners wandering into restricted areas during live matches. A handful of players have left team hotels without clearance, and one incident of vaping at a venue has also been logged. None of the ten sides, nor any individual, is named, yet the tone makes clear the board’s patience is wearing thin.
“It has come to the attention of the BCCI that certain incidents of misconduct and protocol violations have occurred involving players, support staff, and team officials during the course of the current IPL season,” Saikia writes. “These incidents, if left unaddressed, carry the potential to cause significant reputational harm to the tournament, the franchise concerned, and the BCCI as the governing body. They may further expose individuals and franchises to legal liability and security risks of a serious nature.”
Room access – a long-standing flashpoint
The sharpest language is reserved for what the advisory calls “unauthorised visitors” in players’ rooms. Under tournament rules, anyone other than a roommate must be cleared through the team manager, with the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) kept in the loop. Saikia says a growing number of visits have slipped through unnoticed. Family members, friends, acquaintances – all must now have written approval, and conversations are to be held in the lobby, not behind a closed hotel-room door.
Why the fuss? Cricket’s recent history is dotted with approaches from corrupters trying to co-opt, bribe or blackmail players. The BCCI therefore sees bedrooms as high-risk. “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 mi,” the note continues, tailing off mid-sentence in the copy sent to teams.
Owners told to keep their distance
Another sore point is the presence of franchise owners in dug-outs and dressing-rooms while a match is under way. The regulations state plainly that once the toss is done, only listed squad members, support staff and accredited officials may be inside playing-area zones. One senior administrator, speaking on background, reckons the line has blurred this year. “Television loves an owner close-up, but it isn’t the owner facing a Code of Conduct charge if something is overheard,” he says.
An IPL official with knowledge of match-day operations adds: “When an owner wants to pat a batter on the back between overs it looks harmless, yet it can distract, and it complicates liability if something sensitive is discussed.” That official expects stewards to be stricter for the remainder of the season.
Leaving the hotel without clearance
Players normally require a green light from the team manager before stepping outside the hotel bubble, partly for security, partly so the ACU knows where everyone is. The advisory lists “multiple instances” of individuals disappearing for a bite to eat or a haircut without informing anyone – mundane, but a headache for the event’s security grid.
The vaping incident
Less serious, though still frowned upon inside a ground, was a case of vaping in a restricted area – the board calling it a poor look for a tournament that sells itself as family-friendly. One venue official confirms security asked the individual to stop, no further action taken.
Possible penalties – but none specified
The notice does not spell out fresh sanctions, instead reminding teams that the IPL Operational Rules already grant match referees and the league office power to fine, suspend, or – in theory – deduct points. Saikia’s opinion is that the existing deterrents are adequate if applied. Whether match officials will begin writing formal reports is another matter.
A measured reaction from franchises
Privately, several teams accept the BCCI’s irritation. One chief executive, requesting anonymity, says: “Most of this is common sense. It becomes an issue when schedules are cramped and players get cabin fever, but the rules haven’t changed.” Another executive argues the board might do well to name the offending parties. “We all get the same rap on the knuckles, even if some of us have kept things tidy,” he says.
What next?
With the play-offs a fortnight away, sides have been instructed to rebrief squads and owners. ACU officers are expected to log guest approvals more closely, while venue security has been told to enforce accreditation zones to the letter. No franchise wants to be the first hauled up publicly.
For now, the episode serves as a reminder that the IPL, a juggernaut on the field, is still judged by what happens off it. The guidance is clear enough. Whether discipline tightens before the trophy is lifted remains to be seen.
