New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a strict eight-page advisory to all 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, warning teams against “honey trap” risks, unauthorised access to players’ hotel rooms, and violations of anti-corruption and security protocols during the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
The advisory, sent by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, comes after multiple controversies during the season, including Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag being penalised over a vaping incident and concerns regarding irregular conduct involving team officials and support staff. In the communication, the BCCI said recent incidents had the potential to damage the image of the IPL and could expose franchises and individuals to “legal liability and security risks of serious nature.”
One of the strongest warnings in the advisory relates to the possibility of targeted “honey trapping” in high-profile sporting environments. The BCCI noted that some players and support staff had allowed unauthorised visitors into hotel rooms without informing team managers.
The board has now directed franchises to ensure that no guest, regardless of relationship or identity, is allowed entry into players’ or support staff rooms without prior written approval from the team manager. Visitors will only be permitted in designated public areas such as hotel lobbies or lounges.
The advisory further stated that teams must remain vigilant against situations that could lead to “serious legal allegations,” including those related to sexual misconduct laws in India.
The BCCI has also tightened movement protocols for players and support staff. All departures from team hotels must now be cleared by Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs), with franchises required to maintain detailed movement logs for inspection by the IPL Operations Team.
In another significant directive, IPL franchise owners and representatives have been barred from approaching or physically interacting with players during live matches in restricted zones such as dugouts and dressing rooms. The BCCI reportedly observed instances of owners attempting to hug or communicate with players during games, which it said violated Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols.
The board also announced a blanket ban on vaping, e-cigarettes and prohibited substances across all IPL venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels and practice facilities. The advisory stressed that vaping is prohibited under Indian law and warned that violations could attract legal consequences in addition to disciplinary action from the BCCI.
Franchises have been instructed to conduct mandatory briefings for players and support staff within 48 hours and obtain written acknowledgements confirming awareness of the new rules.
The BCCI added that non-compliance could lead to show-cause notices, financial penalties, suspension or disqualification from future IPL seasons, and even referral to law enforcement agencies in cases involving legal violations.
