The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a detailed eight-page advisory to all 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises after multiple protocol violations during the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), circulated by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Thursday night, outline stricter rules for players, support staff, franchise owners and team officials, per a Hindustan Times report.
The move comes after recent controversies, including a team official using a phone in the dugout during a match and another incident involving vaping inside the dressing room. The BCCI had earlier fined the individuals involved and promised tighter regulations to avoid repeat violations.
Also Read | Arjun Tendulkar secures big-money T20 Mumbai League deal ahead of debut
"The advisory has been issued in light of certain incidents observed during the ongoing season and is intended to reinforce the standards of professionalism, discipline, security awareness and protocol compliance expected from all stakeholders associated with the IPL," Saikia wrote in the document, as reported by HT.
BCCI flags 'honey trap' risk
One of the key concerns highlighted in the advisory is the risk of targeted honey-trapping during the tournament. The BCCI said some players and support staff had allowed unauthorised visitors into hotel rooms without the knowledge of team managers.
"It has been observed that certain players and support staff members have permitted unauthorised persons to access their hotel rooms without the knowledge or approval of the concerned IPL franchise Team Manager," the advisory stated.
The board has now directed franchises to ensure that no guest is allowed into a player or staff member's hotel room without prior written approval from the team manager. Visitors can only be received in public hotel areas such as lobbies or lounges.
"The BCCI draws attention to all Franchises to the well documented risks of targeted compromise and Honey Trapping that pervade high profile sporting environments," the document added.
Restrictions on movement and owner interaction
The BCCI also expressed concern over players and support staff leaving team hotels at odd hours without informing Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs).
Under the new rules, all movement outside the hotel must be communicated in advance, while SLOs and TIOs will maintain detailed movement logs for inspection if required.
The advisory also targets IPL franchise owners and representatives. According to the BCCI, some owners attempted to interact with players during live matches, which violated Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols.
"Specifically, instances have been observed of IPL franchise owners attempting to communicate with, approach, hug, or otherwise physically interact with players and team members during live match situations," Saikia wrote.
Also Read | BCCI looks to rein in off-field distractions with stricter IPL code of conduct
Vapes and prohibited substances banned
The BCCI has categorically banned vaping and the use of prohibited substances across all IPL venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, hotels and practice facilities.
"Instances of vaping within the dressing room and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to the BCCI's attention," the document said.
The board warned that vaping could also amount to a legal offence under Indian law.
📣 ASHWIN ON RIYAN PARAG VAPING CONTROVERSY:
— TEJASH (@Tejashyyyyy) April 30, 2026
I think this is totally a situation that can be avoided. I want that players should not always get trapped in such things. I don't really want that for a young player, and it's a bit sensitive too.
I see sometimes what happens is… pic.twitter.com/2gXW0PzafB
Strict action for violations
Franchises have been asked to hold mandatory team briefings within 48 hours and obtain written acknowledgements from every player and support staff member confirming they understand the directives.
The BCCI said violations could invite show-cause notices, financial penalties, suspension, disqualification or even referral to law enforcement authorities in serious cases.
Also Read | India announce Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, experienced core retained for title push
"Non-compliance shall expose the relevant IPL franchise and the individual concerned to proceedings under the applicable provisions of the IPL Regulations," the advisory warned.
