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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a rigorous seven-page advisory to all IPL franchises. This move comes after multiple security irregularities were observed during the ongoing tournament. BCCI Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the “well-documented risks” of targeted honey-trapping and compromise that often surround high-profile sports leagues. The board warned that these incidents could lead to serious legal allegations, including charges of sexual misconduct.
Restricting Access to Players
The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) recently reported finding unauthorized individuals in sensitive areas, including team hotels, buses, and dressing rooms. To combat this, the BCCI has implemented strict new rules:
- Room Access: No person—regardless of their relationship to a player or staff member—can enter a private hotel room without prior written approval from the Team Manager.
- Visitor Meetings: All guests must be met in public designated areas, such as the hotel lobby or reception lounge.
- Written Authorization: Escorting guests to private rooms is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized in writing for a clear purpose.
Disciplinary Actions for Recent Violations
The advisory follows a string of recent disciplinary issues involving franchise members. Specifically, the BCCI noted a lack of vigilance regarding player conduct and equipment usage:
- Romi Bhinder (Rajasthan Royals Manager): Recently faced a fine for using a mobile phone near the dugout, which violates strict anti-corruption protocols.
- Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals Captain): Was seen vaping in the dressing room during a live match. As a result, the board fined him 25% of his match fee for breaching the code of conduct.
Maintaining the Integrity of the League
The BCCI has instructed franchise management to remain “vigilant and proactive” at all times. By tightening these security measures, the board aims to protect the players from external threats and ensure that the integrity of the IPL remains intact. Franchise officials are now expected to monitor all interactions more closely to prevent any further security or ethical breaches.