BCCI imposes strict security protocols on IPL franchises amid honey-trap warnings

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued a stern warning to Indian Premier League franchises regarding the risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping, introducing a comprehensive suite of stricter security and behavioural protocols. In a detailed seven-page advisory sent to franchise management, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted the well-documented dangers inherent in high-profile sporting environments, specifically noting the potential for serious legal allegations related to sexual misconduct. The board has instructed that franchise management must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating these risks throughout the tournament.

Under the new directives, access to player and support staff accommodation has been significantly restricted. The advisory mandates that no person, regardless of their identity or relationship to the team, shall be permitted entry into a private hotel room without the prior knowledge and explicit written approval of the Team Manager. Furthermore, guests and visitors are required to be received exclusively in designated public areas of the hotel, such as the lobby or reception lounge, unless specifically authorised in writing by the Team Manager to be escorted to a private room.

Movement protocols have also been tightened to address concerns over unauthorised departures from team hotels. The board has noted instances where players and support staff have left at irregular hours without informing designated Security Liaison Officers or Team Integrity Officers. Consequently, all team members must now inform and obtain clearance from these officers before leaving the hotel at any hour. Any movement outside the premises, whether personal or recreational, must be communicated in advance to the Team Manager and Security Liaison Officer, with movements logged contemporaneously for inspection by the BCCI Operations Team.

The advisory also addresses the conduct of franchise owners during live matches, explicitly barring them from physically interacting with players or team members. Instances of owners attempting to communicate with, approach, hug, or otherwise physically interact with personnel in the dugout, dressing room, or playing area have been flagged as unacceptable breaches of protocol. To prevent interference with team dynamics and match proceedings, all owner-level access to restricted zones must strictly comply with the Player and Match Official Access protocol, and franchises are required to brief owners on these conduct restrictions before every game.

Additional restrictions target the use of vaping devices and electronic cigarettes across all tournament venues. This prohibition applies to dressing rooms, dugouts, hotels, and practice facilities, citing that such use may constitute a cognisable offence under applicable Indian law. The move follows a previous incident where Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was fined for vaping in the dressing room during a match. The board has directed that possession or circulation of such substances within team premises during the tournament is strictly forbidden.

Compliance with these measures is being enforced through mandatory team briefings and potential audits. Franchises are instructed to conduct mandatory briefings within 48 hours of receiving the advisory and obtain written acknowledgement from all players and staff. The BCCI/IPL Operations Team retains the right to conduct surprise audits and inspections to assess adherence to the directives, with violations treated as serious disciplinary matters that could lead to suspension, disqualification, or referral to law enforcement authorities.