(Image source from: Aajkaal.in)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday, May 7, released an eight-page notice to all IPL teams, expressing worries about serious violations of rules during the current tournament. The BCCI also issued commands for players and teams that must be followed immediately and in the future. The cricket authority warned teams to be careful of targeted honey-trapping during the competition, unauthorized movements, and the dangers of breaking the rules. This follows various controversies, such as RR manager Romi Bhinder using a phone in the dugout and the vaping issue involving Riyan Parag. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia wrote to all ten franchises on Thursday, pointing out the rule violations this season and encouraging the teams to enhance professionalism and discipline. “The advisory has been distributed in response to certain events noticed during the current season and aims to strengthen the expected standards of professionalism, discipline, awareness of security, and adherence to protocols from everyone involved with IPL,” Saikia mentioned, as reported by PTI.
The notice clarifies expectations for teams, owners, and players, highlighting the violations reported by the Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of BCCI. “The BCCI has observed that various misconducts and breaches of protocol have occurred involving players, support staff, and team officials during the ongoing IPL season. If these incidents are not addressed, they could seriously damage the reputation of the tournament, the specific Franchise, and the BCCI as the governing body. They might also expose people and franchises to serious legal and security risks,” the statement expressed. The BCCI also raised concerns about unauthorized individuals visiting players' hotel rooms.
“It has been noted that some players and support staff have allowed unauthorized people to enter their hotel rooms without the knowledge or permission of the relevant IPL franchise Team Manager. In many cases, the Team Manager was completely unaware of such visitors being present. This practice is strictly forbidden effective immediately," stated the BCCI secretary. The BCCI also observed that players were moving around without informing the Security Liaison Officers (SLOs). "Reports have indicated that players and support staff left team hotels at odd hours without notifying the designated Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs). Such actions create significant security threats and expose individuals to risks that cannot be managed if the necessary personnel are not informed," Saikia wrote in the letter.
The document also referred to breaches by unnamed team owners who have not respected the integrity of the Players’ And Match Officials Access (PMOA). The BCCI has expressed worry that some IPL team owners are not following the Players and Match Officials Access (PMOA) guidelines during matches. There have been specific cases where IPL team owners have tried to talk to, approach, hug, or have other physical interactions with players while the matches are happening. Even if these actions are meant to be friendly, they go against established rules and can disrupt team unity and match operations, the statement said. This notice also included a three-point directive for players and support staff.
No individual, regardless of their connection to a team member or their reason for being there, is allowed into the hotel room of a player or support staff without the prior knowledge and written consent of the Team Manager. Guests and visitors should only be welcomed in public areas of the hotel such as the lobby or reception lounge. No guest can be taken to private hotel rooms without specific written permission from the Team Manager. The BCCI reminds all franchises about the known dangers of targeted compromise and Honey Trapping that may occur in high-profile sports settings. The risk of serious legal accusations, including those related to sexual misconduct according to Indian laws, cannot be ignored. IPL franchises need to be alert and proactive in reducing such risks at all times.
Regarding player movement, the BCCI has set some strict rules for the players.
All players and support staff must notify and get approval from the SLO and/or TIO before leaving the team hotel at any time. Any planned outings outside the hotel, whether for personal, leisure, or other reasons, must be communicated to the Team Manager and the SLO well ahead of the planned departure. The SLO/TIO must keep an up-to-date record of all team movements, which should be shared with the BCCI Operations Team when requested.
The owners received a three-point guideline due to the breaches in PMOA.
IPL team owners and their representatives are not allowed to talk to or physically approach players or team staff in the dugout, locker room, or playing area during the match, except through designated and approved means. All access for team owners to restricted areas must strictly follow the PMOA Protocol as outlined by the IPL operations divisions. Any failure to comply will be regarded as a serious breach. The management of franchises is responsible for ensuring that IPL team owners and their associates are well-informed about the necessary protocols before each match day.
