The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all Indian Premier League franchises, warning them about growing security and integrity risks during the tournament. The guidelines, circulated by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, focus on player safety, anti-corruption measures, controlled access protocols, and professional conduct within team environments.
One of the most striking aspects of the advisory is the explicit warning regarding targeted honey-trapping attempts and situations that could potentially lead to serious allegations, including those involving sexual misconduct. The BCCI has urged franchises to remain vigilant and proactive in handling such risks throughout the tournament.
Concerns Over Honey-Trapping and Compromise
According to the advisory, high-profile sporting environments like the IPL are particularly vulnerable to targeted compromise attempts. The BCCI highlighted that players, support staff, and team officials operate under constant public and media attention, making them potential targets for manipulation or exploitation.
The board emphasized that any lapse in judgment or security could result not only in reputational damage but also serious legal complications. This reflects a broader trend in global sports, where governing bodies are increasingly focusing on off-field risks alongside on-field integrity.
By issuing such a direct warning, the BCCI is attempting to create awareness among franchises and encourage preventive measures before incidents occur.
Strict Restrictions on Hotel Room Access
The advisory introduced strict rules regarding access to players’ and support staff members’ hotel rooms. Under the new guidelines, no outsider—regardless of identity or relationship—will be allowed into a player’s room without prior written approval from the Team Manager.
Guests and visitors must now be received only in designated public spaces such as hotel lobbies or reception lounges. Escorting visitors to private rooms without official authorization has been prohibited entirely.
These rules are designed to strengthen security and minimize situations that could lead to controversy, misconduct allegations, or breaches of integrity protocols.
Monitoring Movement Outside Team Hotels
Another major concern raised by the BCCI relates to unauthorized movement by players and support staff. The board noted instances where individuals reportedly left team hotels at irregular hours without informing designated security officials.
To address this issue, the BCCI has made it mandatory for players and staff to obtain clearance from Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs) before leaving team hotels. Any movement outside the hotel for personal or recreational reasons must now be communicated in advance.
Additionally, security officials are required to maintain detailed movement logs, which can be reviewed by the IPL Operations Team when necessary. This reflects the league’s increasing focus on centralized monitoring and risk management.
Accreditation Cards Now Mandatory at All Times
The BCCI has also expressed concern over certain team members refusing or hesitating to display accreditation cards when requested by security personnel. The board described such behavior as unacceptable and a direct breach of event security protocols.
Under the revised guidelines, all players, officials, support staff, and franchise representatives must visibly wear accreditation cards at all times within stadiums, hotels, and practice venues. Failure to comply may result in denial of venue access and formal reporting to team management.
This move aims to strengthen access control and ensure that only authorized individuals enter restricted areas.
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Franchise Owners Under Scrutiny
Interestingly, the advisory also addressed the conduct of franchise owners and their representatives during matches. The BCCI observed instances where owners attempted to communicate with or physically interact with players in dugouts and playing areas during live matches.
The board stated that such actions violate Player and Match Official Access (PMOA) protocols and could interfere with team dynamics and match proceedings. Owners are now strictly prohibited from approaching players or team officials in restricted zones unless permitted through approved channels.
Franchise management has been made responsible for ensuring that owners and associates are properly briefed on these regulations before every match.
Crackdown on Vaping and Prohibited Substances
Another key issue highlighted in the advisory was the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes within tournament venues. The BCCI revealed that recent instances of vaping in dressing rooms had come to its attention.
The board reminded franchises that vaping products are prohibited under Indian law and warned that individuals engaging in such conduct could face legal consequences in addition to disciplinary action. As a result, the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and prohibited substances has been completely banned across dressing rooms, dugouts, hotels, and training facilities.
Team management has been instructed to ensure that all players and staff are fully informed about these restrictions.
Increased Responsibility for Team Management
The advisory places significant responsibility on Team Managers and franchise officials for ensuring compliance. Teams are now required to conduct mandatory briefings within 48 hours of receiving the advisory and obtain written acknowledgements from all players and staff confirming their understanding of the rules.
Franchises must also implement formal guest approval systems, maintain detailed movement logs, and immediately report any violations to the IPL Operations Division.
This structured approach demonstrates the BCCI’s intention to move beyond informal monitoring toward a more documented and accountable governance system.
Balancing Security with Professionalism
The IPL has evolved into one of the world’s biggest sporting leagues, attracting massive media attention, celebrity involvement, and commercial influence. With that growth comes increased responsibility to protect players, maintain discipline, and preserve the league’s integrity.
The BCCI’s latest advisory reflects an understanding that modern sports management extends far beyond cricket itself. Issues like security, reputation management, legal compliance, and personal conduct have become equally important components of professional sport.
 A Strong Message from the BCCI
The BCCI’s detailed advisory sends a clear message to franchises, players, and officials: professionalism and vigilance are non-negotiable in a tournament of the IPL’s scale. From honey-trapping concerns and security protocols to vaping bans and owner conduct, the board is attempting to tighten operational standards across all levels.
As the IPL continues to grow globally, maintaining discipline and safeguarding the league’s image will remain a top priority. The effectiveness of these measures will ultimately depend on how seriously franchises implement them, but the intent from the BCCI is unmistakable—protect the integrity, safety, and credibility of the tournament at all costs.