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BCCI bans unauthorized entries to players' rooms, warns of honey traps and security risks
The BCCI issued an advisory banning unauthorised visitors from players’ hotel rooms in the IPL after incidents flagged by the Anti-Corruption Unit. It introduces written authorisation for guests, a new SOP for players and staff, and restrictions on owner interactions and late-night departures, while warning of honey traps and legal risks. The move aims to protect tournament integrity and security across franchises.
Why It Matters
These measures seek to enhance player safety, protect the tournament’s reputation, and mitigate security and legal risks in a high-profile sports environment.
Timeline
7 Events
Periodic checks and sanctions for breaches
May 9, 2026
Saikia indicated that periodic checks might be conducted by the BCCI or the IPL Operations Team to ensure compliance, with breaches potentially leading to sanctions ranging from financial penalties to suspension or disqualification of the concerned party.
Vaping incident cited; broad prohibition on vapes and prohibited substances
May 9, 2026
The document references a vaping incident involving a Rajasthan Royals player (not named) and states that vaping and e-cigarettes are prohibited under Indian law. The board reiterates that the use of vapes, e-cigarettes and all prohibited substances is strictly banned across all IPL venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels and practice facilities.
Owners barred from interacting with players during matches
May 9, 2026
The BCCI banned IPL franchise owners from communicating with or physically interacting with players or team officials in the dugout, dressing room or playing area during live matches, except through designated and approved channels. Access to restricted zones must conform to the PMOA Protocol; deviations will be treated as serious violations.
Ban on leaving hotels at irregular hours without informing SLO/TIO
May 9, 2026
The advisory bans players and support staff from leaving team hotels at irregular hours without informing their designated Security Liaison Officer (SLO) and Team Integrity Officer (TIO).
Warning on honey traps and legal/security risks
May 9, 2026
The advisory draws attention to risks of targeted compromise and honey trapping in high-profile sporting environments and notes that incidents could give rise to serious legal allegations under applicable Indian laws; franchises are urged to remain vigilant and mitigate such risks at all times.
Standard Operating Procedure issued; written authorisation required for room access
May 9, 2026
The Board stated that all players and support staff have been given a Standard Operating Procedure for the duration of the tournament. No guest shall be escorted to private hotel rooms unless the Team Manager has specifically authorised the same in writing.
BCCI issues advisory banning unauthorized visitors to players' hotel rooms
May 9, 2026
The BCCI issued an advisory to the 10 IPL franchises banning unauthorised visitors from accessing players' and officials' hotel rooms after incidents of misconduct and protocol violations flagged by the Board's Anti-Corruption Unit. Written authorisation from team managers would be required for guests to access rooms, with the advisory detailing the aim to reinforce professionalism, discipline, security awareness and protocol compliance.