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BCCI Issues Strict Guidelines Amid IPL 2026 Concerns

As the IPL 2026 season progresses, the BCCI has issued stringent new guidelines to address rising concerns regarding player conduct and unauthorized access. With incidents of rule violations surfacing, the board aims to reinforce compliance among teams and players. Key measures include restrictions on external visitors, mandatory ID displays, and a strict ban on vaping. The BCCI's proactive approach highlights its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the tournament. This weekend, a meeting with franchise CEOs will further emphasize the importance of these regulations. Stay tuned for more updates on how these changes will impact the ongoing season.
By Narendra Chaudhary May 8, 2026, 15:27 IST

BCCI's New Measures for IPL 2026

New Delhi: The Indian Premier League 2026 has already seen more than half of its season pass, but recent events have raised alarms for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In response, the board has swiftly released a comprehensive seven-page guideline aimed at players and team owners, introducing stringent regulations. Additionally, the BCCI's anti-corruption unit has flagged unauthorized individuals' presence in the dugout and highlighted several rule violations that have not yet been made public.


Based on this information, the Indian cricket board has sent an advisory to all teams and convened a meeting this weekend with the CEOs of all franchises. The purpose of this meeting is to remind them of the rules and to take appropriate action against teams or individuals who have failed to comply with the rulebook.


In an interview, BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia revealed that unauthorized individuals have been found traveling or loitering around team buses, hotels, and dugout areas. He noted that the regulations concerning player and team conduct have been in place since 2008, but there has been a noticeable laxity in adherence, prompting the board to take a firm stance against any violations. The upcoming Saturday meeting will emphasize the importance of this advisory.

Saikia further mentioned that the anti-corruption unit has provided crucial information, indicating that they are operating in a highly professional manner. The unit has shared several confidential insights that extend beyond the two incidents officially acknowledged by the board, both related to the Rajasthan Royals. In the first incident, a manager was caught using a phone in the dugout, while the second involved a viral video of captain Riyan Parag vaping in the dressing room. The board has already imposed fines for both incidents, but the investigation into the vaping case is ongoing, and further actions may follow.


BCCI's New Guidelines Include:



  1. The BCCI has warned that high-profile players could be targeted for honey traps, potentially leading to serious legal issues and allegations of sexual misconduct. Teams are advised to remain vigilant at all times.


  2. No external person may enter a player or staff member's room without written permission from the team manager. Guests can only meet in the hotel lobby or public areas.


  3. Some players have been leaving hotels without informing security personnel. Now, obtaining approval from security before exiting the hotel is mandatory, and a complete record of players' whereabouts will be maintained.


  4. Some players have been reluctant to show their ID cards. The BCCI has established strict rules requiring players to wear their ID cards at all times during stadium visits, hotel stays, and practice sessions.


  5. During matches, team owners must maintain distance from players. Owners are prohibited from speaking to players or hugging them in the dugout or dressing room, as this would violate match decorum.


  6. The BCCI has made it clear that vaping is strictly banned in dressing rooms, dugouts, or hotels. Since e-cigarettes are illegal in India, legal action may be taken against those who violate this rule.