Following increasing concerns over security breaches and unauthorized access, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a strict advisory for IPL franchises, compelling teams to strengthen security protocols and regulate player interactions with social media influencers.
Incidents involving unauthorized guests in hotel rooms, players being too close to social media content creators, and unapproved outings have prompted the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit to flag potential integrity risks, including the threat of honey traps. In response, the board has imposed new restrictions on visitor access and made it mandatory for players to inform security about their movements.
One notable violation involved a younger player who asked new members of the content team to help create reels and pictures for his private social media accounts. The content creator later used some of that material for personal gain, filming inside the boundary line and even inside the player’s hotel room—activities that clearly breached security norms.
Franchise officials have acknowledged the need for tighter controls. “We’ve received new rules from the BCCI and are working to implement them diligently,” said one official. “The younger players are very active on social media, which is a modern trend, but it must stay within the BCCI’s limits.”
To ensure compliance, teams are reducing the size of content teams—especially those hired for short-term roles during the IPL season. Officials are also educating first-time IPL players about the gravity of the rules. “Senior players often know the boundaries, but newcomers might not understand the risks involved,” another official noted.
Unauthorized visitors in players’ rooms have also been a major concern. In one case, a senior player repeatedly hosted guests late into the night. When questioned, the team manager defended him based on his seniority. Another incident involved a player ignoring calls from staff and returning to the hotel late with friends, but the matter was downplayed due to his close ties to the franchise owners.
Moving forward, teams are enforcing stricter guidelines—requiring written or verbal permission for guests, banning entertaining after 10 PM, and ensuring meetings only occur in public areas. While acknowledging the need for privacy, franchise officials hope to strike a balance between security and players’ personal lives. “We’re in talks with the BCCI about how to implement these rules without unnecessary intrusion,” one official added.