IPL 2026: BCCI issues fresh guidelines for franchises; flags honey trap risk, vapes banned

BCCI has issued a written advisory for all teams in the middle of IPL 2026.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a fresh advisory for all the teams of the Indian Premier League 2026. The governing body has sent out an eight-page advisory covering misconduct, team discipline and safety protocols.

In the advisory, the BCCI addressed that such breaches can cause significant reputational harm to the IPL, the franchise, and the board. In an official letter, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia pointed out several areas where misconduct and protocol breaches.

They are related to unauthorised visitors in hotel rooms, franchise owners interacting with players and team officials in restricted areas during live matches, vaping at a match venue, and leaving team hotels without authorisation.

“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 course of the current IPL season,” BCCI said in the advisory.

“These incidents, if left unaddressed, carry the potential to cause significant reputational harm to the tournament, the franchise concerned, and the BCCI as the governing body. They may further expose individuals and franchises to legal liability and security risks of a serious nature,” it further added.

BCCI issues fresh guidelines over code of conduct for IPL teams

Stricter hotel room access – Risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping

The advisory said that there have been a few instances in which players and support staff have allowed people to enter their hotel rooms without prior permission from the team manager.

Hence, BCCI said that anyone entering the player/support staff member’s room would need written approval from the team manager. This will also apply to family members, friends, or any other person. Guests and visitors should meet at the hotel lobby.

Team owners and players’ interaction during matches

The advisory also addressed the repeated violations of Player and Match Official Access (PMOA) protocols by franchise owners.

There were instances when IPL franchise owners attempted to communicate with, approach, hug, or otherwise physically interact with team players.

Franchise owners have been barred from directly interacting with players or team officials in the dugout, dressing room, or while playing matches.

Unauthorised departures from team hotels

The BCCI also expressed concern over players and support staff leaving team hotels at irregular times without informing the Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs).

Therefore, all players and support staff members have been advised to inform and obtain necessary clearance before leaving the team hotel at any hour. Any movement outside the hotel – personal, recreational or otherwise – must be communicated in advance to the Team Manager and SLO.

Accreditation card is mandatory at all venues

The Board of Control for Cricket in India also took serious note of several team members refusing to display accreditation cards during security checks.

In the advisory, it was stated that all players, support staff, officials and franchise representatives must visibly wear accreditation cards at stadiums, hotels and practice facilities. Accreditation cards must be produced immediately whenever sought by security personnel or IPL officials.

Vaping and prohibited substances are banned

The move comes after Riyan Parag and Yuzvendra Chahal were caught vaping. As per the new guidelines, the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and prohibited substances inside the dressing room, dugouts, hotels, and practice venues is banned.

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