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In the aftermath of multiple incidents involving security breaches, protocol violations and misbehavior at IPL 2026, the BCCI has put all 10 IPL franchises on a strict advisory. The board has cautioned teams, stating that such breaches can lead to an irreparable damage to the reputation of the tournament and that serious security and legal concerns can arise as a result.

PTI reported that Devajit Saikia, secretary, BCCI, sent an eight-page document to all franchises stating that teams must maintain discipline and adhere to the rules of the tournament with care.

Saikia wrote:

"The advisory has been issued in light of certain incidents observed during ongoing season and is intended to reinforce the standards of professionalism, discipline, security awareness and protocol compliance expected from all stakeholders associated with IPL."

In the preamble of the advisory, Saikia added:

"It has come to the attention of the BCCI that certain incidents of misconduct and protocol violation have occured involving players and support staff and team officials during the course of the current IPL season. 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 serious nature."

The major concern which BCCI has raised in the advisory is unauthorized entry of outside elements into player and support staff's hotel rooms without the permission of the team management.

The advisory stated:

"It has been observed that certain players and support staff members have permitted unauthorised persons to access their hotel rooms without the knowledge or approval of the concerned IPL franchise Team Manager. In a number of instances, Team Manager was entirely unaware of the presence of such visitors. The practice is strictly prohibited with immediate effect."

BCCI has given the teams a stringent set of rules now:

• No outsiders are allowed in the player or support staff's room without a written permission of the team manager.
• Players and support staff can only meet their guests in the common hotel areas like lobby or reception lounge.
• Teams have been warned about the risk of 'Honey Trapping' and its potential legal implications in the high profile sporting scenario.

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The BCCI has also flagged issues related to franchisers accessing restricted areas and engaging with players during games.

The document said:

"The BCCI has noted with concern that certain IPL franchise owners have not adhered to the Players and Match Officials Access (PMOA) protocol during the course of the matches."

The Board clarified that no owners and their representatives are to enter dugouts, dressing rooms or the playing area during the live match unless it has official sanction by IPL rules.

The advisory also sought to put to rest all vaping incidents witnessed throughout the season. The issue came to light when Riyan Parag was allegedly spotted vaping within the dressing room of his side during an IPL 2026 match.

Saikia wrote:

"Instances of vaping within dressing room and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to BCCI’s attention."

The BCCI iterated that vaping and e-cigarettes are banned according to Indian law and that their use is strictly banned inside the dressing room, dug-out, hotels and practice venues.

• No unauthorized persons should visit players or staff in their hotel rooms.
• Team Manager's written permission should be obtained prior to entry into players' private rooms.
• Guests are allowed to meet players only at the public areas of the hotels.
• IPL franchisers shall not enter the dugouts or the dressing room of a team during a match.
• Franchise owners are not allowed to communicate or interact with the players on field of play during the live match, without the prior permission.
• PMOA protocol shall be meticulously followed.
• Use of vaping equipment and e-cigarettes are banned at all IPL venues and the team hotels.
• The team must brief all owners and their staff regarding the IPL rules and regulations.