BCCI Enforces Strict Protocols to Ensure Player Safety and Integrity in IPL

BCCI Implements New Security Measures for IPL Participants

In response to concerns regarding potential 'honey traps, legal liabilities, and security threats,' the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has prohibited unauthorized visitors from accessing the hotel rooms of players, support staff, and team officials during the IPL. This decision follows reports of 'misconduct and protocol breaches' highlighted by the Board's Anti-Corruption Unit.

The BCCI has issued a detailed advisory to the ten IPL franchises, mandating that any guests must receive written permission from team managers to enter the players' and officials' rooms.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that this advisory aims to uphold professionalism, discipline, security awareness, and adherence to protocols expected from all IPL stakeholders, as noted in a communication sent to franchise CEOs.

The BCCI has identified several incidents of misconduct and protocol violations involving players and team officials throughout the current IPL season.

If these issues are not addressed, they could significantly damage the tournament's reputation, the involved franchise, and the BCCI as the governing body, potentially exposing individuals and franchises to serious legal and security risks.

The Board has observed that some players and support staff allowed unauthorized individuals into their hotel rooms without the Team Manager's knowledge or consent.

In many cases, the Team Manager was completely unaware of these visitors' presence. This practice is now strictly prohibited.

All players and support staff have been provided with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to follow for the tournament's duration.

Guests cannot be escorted to private hotel rooms unless specifically authorized in writing by the Team Manager. The BCCI has highlighted the well-known risks of targeted compromise and honey trapping in high-profile sports environments.

The possibility of serious legal allegations, including those related to sexual misconduct under Indian law, cannot be overlooked. IPL franchises must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks.

Additionally, players and support staff are forbidden from leaving team hotels at 'irregular hours' without notifying their designated Security Liaison Officer (SLO) and Team Integrity Officer (TIO).

Saikia mentioned that the BCCI or IPL Operations Team may conduct periodic checks to ensure compliance with these guidelines, with violations potentially resulting in penalties ranging from fines to suspension or disqualification of the involved individuals.

Restrictions on Franchise Owners During Matches

The document also addressed breaches by unnamed team owners, who allegedly failed to respect the Players’ and Match Officials Access (PMOA) protocols.

Instances have been reported of IPL franchise owners attempting to communicate with, approach, hug, or physically interact with players during live matches.

Such actions, regardless of intent, violate established protocols and could disrupt team dynamics and match proceedings, according to the Board.

Consequently, the BCCI has prohibited owners from interacting with players during matches.

Franchise owners and their representatives are strictly barred from communicating with or physically accessing players or team officials in the dugout, dressing room, or playing area during matches, except through designated and approved channels.

All access to restricted zones by franchise owners must strictly adhere to the PMOA Protocol as outlined by the IPL operations division. Any deviation will be treated as a serious violation.

Ban on Vaping in IPL Venues

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was spotted vaping in the dressing room balcony during a match, sparking controversy. Although not naming him, Saikia stated that engaging in such prohibited activities under Indian law will not be tolerated by the Board.

It is important to note that vaping and electronic cigarettes are banned under applicable Indian law.

Any individual found participating in such activities within tournament venues is not only violating BCCI and IPL regulations but may also be committing a cognizable offense under the relevant legal framework.

Therefore, the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and all other prohibited substances is strictly forbidden in all IPL tournament venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels, and practice facilities.