IPL 2026: BCCI warns teams over honey-trap risks, tightens hotel room access rules

The BCCI has issued a strict advisory to IPL franchises, warning against honey-trap risks, vaping and security lapses. New hotel access, player movement and owner interaction rules are now in force.

Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stricter security and conduct protocols for IPL franchises, warning teams about the dangers of “targeted compromise and honey-trapping” during the tournament.

The advisory, issued to all franchises by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, outlines several new measures aimed at protecting players, staff and team officials.

The seven-page document highlights concerns over security vulnerabilities, behavioural issues and legal risks that may arise in high-profile sporting environments.

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Strict Hotel Access Rules Introduced

One of the biggest changes involves tighter restrictions at team hotels. According to the advisory, no outsider will be allowed to enter a player or support staff member’s room without prior written approval from the Team Manager.

Guests and visitors must now meet players only in designated public areas such as hotel lobbies or lounges. The BCCI stated that unrestricted access to private rooms could create unnecessary security and integrity risks.

Players Asked to Inform Security Before Leaving Hotels

The cricket board has also raised concerns over players and support staff leaving hotels at odd hours without informing security officials.

Under the revised rules, all movements outside the hotel premises must be reported in advance to Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs). Teams are required to maintain detailed movement logs that may be reviewed by the IPL Operations Team.

The BCCI believes these steps are necessary to reduce security threats and maintain accountability during the tournament.

Accreditation Cards Now Mandatory

The advisory also addresses incidents where some team members allegedly hesitated to show accreditation cards during security checks.

The BCCI has now made it compulsory for players, support staff and franchise officials to visibly wear accreditation cards at stadiums, practice venues and hotels. Non-compliance could lead to denial of entry into restricted areas.

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Crackdown on Vaping and Match-Day Conduct

The board has reinforced a complete ban on vaping and e-cigarettes within IPL venues, dressing rooms and hotels. The move follows recent controversies involving players during IPL 2026.

Franchise owners have also been instructed not to interact with players inside dugouts, dressing rooms or playing zones during live matches, as it violates match-day protocols.

Surprise Audits and Mandatory Briefings

Franchises must now conduct mandatory team briefings and obtain written acknowledgements from players and staff regarding the new guidelines.

The BCCI has warned that surprise inspections may be carried out during the season, and any breach of protocol could invite disciplinary action.