The BCCI has issued strict new safety protocols for the IPL, banning unauthorized room guests and vaping while restricting franchise owners’ dugout access to ensure professionalism.
MUMBAI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has launched a major crackdown to protect IPL players from “honey traps” and security threats. A new seven-page rulebook sent to all ten franchises warns that high-profile athletes are frequent targets for people looking to compromise their integrity or involve them in legal trouble.
To ensure safety, the BCCI has banned all unauthorized visitors from entering players’ hotel rooms. No guest, regardless of their relationship with the player, can enter a private room without written permission from the Team Manager. Instead, all meetings must happen in public areas like hotel lobbies. To enforce this, officials will conduct “surprise checks” throughout the tournament to catch any rule-breakers.
The board also addressed recent behavioral issues. Following reports of vaping in dressing rooms, the BCCI warned that using electronic cigarettes is not just against league rules but is a legal offense in India. Violators could face serious police action. Furthermore, franchise owners have been told to stay away from the dugout during live matches. The BCCI noticed owners hugging or talking to players during games, which they claim disrupts team focus and breaks official protocols.
By tightening these boundaries, the BCCI aims to keep the league professional and safe. Team Managers are now required to keep detailed logs of every visitor to ensure total transparency. These strict measures are designed to uphold the reputation of the IPL and shield young stars from potential scandals or outside interference.
