Mumbai: In a detailed communication sent to franchise CEOs, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the advisory was prompted by multiple incidents of “misconduct and protocol violations” involving players, support staff, and team officials during the current IPL season.

The Board stated that several players and support staff members had allowed unauthorised individuals into their hotel rooms without the knowledge or approval of the respective Team Manager. The practice has now been “strictly prohibited with immediate effect”.

Under the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), no guest will be allowed access to players’ or officials’ private hotel rooms unless written authorisation is provided by the Team Manager.

The BCCI warned franchises about the dangers associated with “targeted compromise and honey trapping” in high-profile sporting environments. It added that such incidents could lead to serious legal allegations, including cases related to sexual misconduct under Indian law.

The Board also imposed restrictions on players and support staff leaving team hotels at irregular hours without informing designated Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) and Team Integrity Officers (TIOs).

According to the advisory, periodic checks may be conducted by the BCCI and IPL Operations Team to ensure compliance. Violations could result in financial penalties, suspension, or even disqualification of players, support staff, or officials.

The communication also raised concerns over breaches involving franchise owners. The BCCI noted instances where team owners allegedly attempted to approach, hug, or interact with players during live matches, actions it said violated Players’ and Match Officials’ Access (PMOA) protocols.

As a result, franchise owners and representatives have now been barred from interacting with players or team officials in restricted zones such as dugouts, dressing rooms, and playing areas during matches unless done through approved channels.

The advisory further reiterated a strict ban on vaping and electronic cigarettes at all IPL venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, practice facilities, and team hotels.

The move comes after Riyan Parag, captain of Rajasthan Royals, was seen allegedly vaping in a dressing room balcony during a match, sparking widespread criticism online.

Without naming any individual, the BCCI stressed that vaping and e-cigarettes are prohibited under Indian law and warned that violations could amount to a cognisable offence under the statutory framework.