The BCCI has taken serious notice of multiple protocol violations during the ongoing IPL 2026 and has now issued a strict warning to all the 10 franchises. In a major move aimed at tightening discipline and security, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia sent an eight-page advisory to franchise CEOs after several incidents involving players, support staff, team owners and officials reportedly crossed established guidelines.
The advisory highlights concerns related to professionalism, discipline, security awareness and overall conduct during the tournament. According to the BCCI, if such incidents continue unchecked, they could damage the reputation of the IPL, the franchises involved and even the governing body itself. The board also warned that some actions could expose individuals and teams to serious legal and security-related consequences.
In the document’s preamble, the BCCI stated that it had observed multiple cases of misconduct and breaches of protocol during the current season. The board stressed that maintaining discipline is essential in a high-profile tournament like the IPL where players, owners and officials are constantly under public and media attention.
One of the biggest concerns raised by the BCCI involves unauthorised visitors entering players’ hotel rooms. According to the advisory, there were instances where players and support staff allowed unknown or unapproved individuals into their rooms without informing team managers. In some cases, team managers reportedly had no idea that such visitors were present.
The BCCI has now completely banned this practice with immediate effect. Under the new guidelines, no individual will be allowed to enter a player or support staff member’s room without prior written approval from the team manager, regardless of their identity or relationship with the person. The board has instructed franchises that all guests must be received only in designated public areas of hotels, such as lobbies or lounges, unless special written permission is granted.
The advisory also highlighted concerns about “honey trapping” and targeted compromise in high-profile sporting environments. The BCCI warned franchises to remain extremely cautious, stating that such situations could potentially lead to legal allegations, including cases related to misconduct under Indian law. Franchises have been asked to remain proactive and vigilant at all times to avoid security breaches or reputational damage.
Apart from players and support staff, the BCCI also expressed concern over the conduct of some franchise owners during live matches. According to the document, certain owners allegedly violated the Players and Match Officials Access (PMOA) protocol by entering restricted zones or interacting with players during games.
The board specifically pointed out incidents where owners attempted to approach, communicate with, hug or physically interact with players while matches were still in progress. The BCCI clarified that even if such gestures were well-intentioned, they violated official protocol and could interfere with team focus, dressing-room discipline and match proceedings.
Following these incidents, the BCCI introduced fresh rules for franchise owners and their representatives. Owners have now been strictly prohibited from entering restricted areas like dugouts, dressing rooms or playing zones during matches unless they receive authorised access through official channels. The board also reminded franchises that all owner-level access must strictly follow the PMOA protocol issued by IPL operations officials.
Franchise management teams have additionally been instructed to properly brief owners and their associates about all rules and restrictions before every match day. The BCCI made it clear that any future deviation from protocol would be treated as a serious violation.
Another issue addressed in the advisory was vaping inside tournament venues. The matter reportedly gained attention after Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was seen vaping inside the dressing room during the season. Reports suggested that the player could face a heavy fine over the incident.
In response, the BCCI reminded franchises that vapes and electronic cigarettes are prohibited under Indian law. The board said that using such products inside IPL venues not only violates tournament regulations but could also amount to a punishable offence under the law.
The advisory further stated that vaping, e-cigarettes and all banned substances are now strictly prohibited across all IPL-related locations. This includes dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels, practice facilities and every restricted tournament area.
The latest warning from the BCCI shows that the governing body is determined to maintain strict discipline and security standards throughout the IPL 2026. With the tournament attracting global attention and involving some of cricket’s biggest stars and business figures, the board appears keen to prevent controversies from overshadowing the game itself.
As the IPL continues to grow bigger every season, the BCCI’s latest crackdown serves as a reminder that players, owners and officials are expected to follow professional standards both on and off the field.
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