BCCI Alerts IPL Teams About Honey-Trap Risks, Sets New Hotel Room Access Rules

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed all franchises in the Indian Premier League about risks related to honey-trapping during the tournament. Secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted that this could result in serious allegations against players and officials, including sexual misconduct claims.

The BCCI emphasized the importance of adhering to the newly issued guidelines for team members, which include restrictions on having outsiders in hotel rooms without proper notification and approval from team managers.

“The BCCI alerts all franchises to the well-known risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping in high-profile sports environments. Legal issues, including those related to sexual misconduct, may arise. IPL franchise management must be vigilant and work to mitigate these risks,” Saikia stated.

Guidelines Overview

• (a) No individuals, regardless of their relationship to team members, may enter player or support staff hotel rooms without the prior knowledge and written approval of the Team Manager.

• (b) Guests should only be welcomed in designated public areas of the hotel, such as the lobby or reception. Access to private rooms requires specific written authorization from the Team Manager.

Saikia noted incidents where players and officials left hotels without informing security personnel, which the BCCI considers a violation of security protocols.

“There have been reports of players and support staff exiting team hotels at odd hours without notifying designated Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs). Such actions create security risks,” Saikia added.

• (a) All players and support staff must notify and secure clearance from the SLO and/or TIO before leaving the team hotel at any time.

• (b) Any planned movements outside the hotel must be communicated to the Team Manager and SLO well in advance.

• (c) The SLO/TIO must keep a current log of team movements, accessible to the BCCI Operations Team upon request.

Smoking and Substances Ban

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was seen vaping in the dressing room, leading to live broadcasts. Since vaping is illegal in India, the board has stressed that this violates tournament guidelines and may result in legal issues.

“The BCCI has received reports of vaping in dressing rooms and other restricted areas. Note that using vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited by Indian law. Anyone found engaging in this conduct not only breaches BCCI regulations but may also commit an offence under the law.

“Vaping, e-cigarette use, and other banned substances are strictly forbidden in IPL venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels, and practice facilities. Team management must ensure all players and support staff are aware of this ban and that such substances are not allowed on team premises during the tournament.”

Accreditation Cards Requirement

“Reports indicate that some team members are hesitant to present their accreditation cards for verification when requested by authorized security staff. This behavior is unacceptable and violates event security protocols,” said the BCCI secretary regarding players not showing their accreditation cards.

Instructions for Team Members

• (a) All players, support staff, team officials, and IPL franchise representatives must visibly wear their accreditation cards at all times within event venues, including stadiums, hotels, and practice facilities.

• (b) Accreditation cards must be displayed prominently and shown for inspection whenever requested by authorized security personnel, BCCI officials, or designated IPL Operations staff.

• (c) Individuals who do not comply with accreditation requirements will be denied access until the issue is resolved, and the incident will be reported to the Team Manager and BCCI.

Team Management Responsibilities

The BCCI holds the Team Manager and/or authorized franchise representative responsible for ensuring full compliance with this advisory. Team Managers must:

• Mandatory Team Briefing: Hold a mandatory briefing within 48 hours of receiving this advisory to share its contents with all players and support staff.

• Written Acknowledgment: Collect written confirmation from each player and staff member acknowledging receipt and understanding of these directives.

• Guest Approval System: Implement a system for guest approvals during hotel visits, keeping daily written records of all approved guests.

• Movement Log: Maintain a log, in coordination with the SLO/TIO, documenting all departures from and returns to the team hotel.

• Protocol Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to PMOA and related protocols before each match day.

• Reporting Obligation: Report any breaches of these directives to the IPL Operations Division promptly.

Areas of Concern and Responsibilities