The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has issued an advisory to Indian Premier League (IPL) teams regarding misconduct, team discipline, and security protocols. A seven-page document was sent to all ten franchises on Thursday, warning that violations could damage the reputations of the IPL, the franchises, and the board itself.
Signed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the advisory did not name specific teams or individuals but highlighted misconduct and breaches such as:
- Unauthorized visitors in hotel rooms
- Franchise owners meeting players and officials in restricted areas during matches
- Vaping at match venues
- Leaving team hotels without permission
The advisory stated, “It has come to the attention of the BCCI that certain incidents of misconduct and protocol violations have occurred involving players, support staff, and team officials during the current IPL season. If left unaddressed, these incidents could harm the tournament’s reputation and expose individuals and teams to legal and security risks,” as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Earlier on Thursday, Saikia and IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal discussed issues regarding unauthorized personnel in areas designated for players and staff only.
The advisory also noted instances where players and staff allowed access to their hotel rooms without the team manager’s permission, which is required. According to IPL rules, the team manager must be informed in advance about any outsider entering the hotel room, so they can authorize it and notify the Anti-Corruption Unit team member present with the franchise.
“In several cases, the Team Manager was unaware of such visitors,” the advisory stated.
Moving forward, anyone wanting to enter a player or staff member’s room will need written approval from the team manager. This rule applies to family, friends, and any other guests. Visitors are allowed to meet in the hotel lobby as per the advisory.
More updates to come.