BCCI sends fresh advisory to IPL 2026 players after multiple protocol breaches, warning of punishment or ban

The BCCI has stepped in to tighten discipline and security standards across the ongoing 2026 season after multiple breaches involving team personnel, players and franchise representatives. In a detailed advisory issued Thursday to all 10 franchises, the board warned that repeated violations could damage the credibility of the tournament and create legal and security complications.

In a letter signed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the governing body and the league’s anti-corruption framework had raised concern over a host of incidents. The document did not name any franchise or individual, but it did touch on a number of issues that had reportedly come up during the course of the competition. These included unauthorised visitors gaining access to players’ and support staff’s hotel rooms, owners attempting to interact with players during live matches and the use of vapes at venues despite a legal ban in India.

"It has come to the notice of the BCCI that certain incidents of misconduct and protocol breaches have taken place involving players, support staff and team officials during the ongoing IPL season," Saikia said in the advisory, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

If not dealt with, such incidents can cause huge reputational damage to the tournament, to the franchise involved and to the BCCI as the governing body. “They may also expose individuals and franchises to legal liability and security risks of a serious nature,” he added.

The board identified player accommodation during the tournament as one of its key issues. Some team members had allowed guests to access hotel rooms without the required approval process, the advisory said. The BCCI has now reiterated that all requests from visitors should be routed through the team manager who will inform the ACU representative travelling with the side.

"BCCI draws the attention of all franchises to the well-documented risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping that pervade high-profile sporting environments," the advisory said.

The possibility of incidents which may lead to serious allegations of law, including applicable laws on sexual misconduct cannot be ruled out. IPL franchise management have to be alert and proactive in avoiding such risks at all times,” it further read.

The board also talked about the behavior of franchise owners inside the restricted areas during the matches. It reiterated that owners and associates cannot be in player areas or interact with team members during games.

"Franchise owners are strictly prohibited from communicating with or physically accessing players or team officials in the dugout, dressing room or playing area during the course of a match," the advisory said.

Another concern raised was the use of vapes and e-cigarettes in dressing rooms and other controlled environments. The issue came to the fore last month when Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag admitted to vaping during a match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh and was fined.

The BCCI has told the franchises that random checks can now be performed to check compliance. The penalties for violations may include financial sanctions, suspension or disqualification from participation in future IPLs.