The BCCI has issued an extensive advisory to all 10 IPL franchises for the 2026 season, highlighting risks of alleged honey-trap attempts and sexual misconduct
claims. The seven-page guideline from BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia sets strict rules for player conduct, hotel access, and communication, with firm penalties for any breach.
Under the new IPL directives, surprise checks of players' hotel rooms may be carried out by a joint BCCI and IPL Operations task force. Any unauthorised presence in team members' rooms will invite strong disciplinary action. The board has also warned franchise owners against speaking to players or managers in the dugout during matches.
IPL 2026: BCCI Tightens Hotel Access & Movement Rules
According to Saikia's communication, no outsider can enter any IPL player or support staff room without the team manager's prior knowledge and approval, regardless of personal connection. All movements outside the hotel, for personal or recreational reasons, must be shared with the Team Manager and Security Liaison Officer, with clearance also required from the Team Integrity Officer.
The guidelines state that players and support staff must inform the Security Liaison Officer and/or Team Integrity Officer before leaving the team hotel at any time of day or night. These officials are tasked with monitoring movements and logging approvals, alongside the team manager, to reduce the scope for targeted approaches and unauthorised meetings.
IPL 2026: BCCI's Honey-Trap Advisory
The advisory confirms that a task force, consisting of BCCI and IPL Operations representatives, will lead room checks and compliance monitoring. Team managers must maintain detailed records of approved guests and all hotel-related movements. Saikia's note also mentions that the BCCI can conduct periodic audits and inspections to test adherence to every directive.
Saikia explained that the BCCI and IPL Operations Team will periodically assess whether franchises follow the strict protocol. "The BCCI / IPL Operations Team may conduct periodic checks to assess adherence to the directives set forth in this advisory. Team managers are required to maintain records of all approved guest visits and hotel movements," the statement continued.
In one section, Saikia stressed the legal dangers surrounding high-profile competitions. "The 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 possibility of incidents giving rise to serious legal allegations, including those under applicable laws on sexual misconduct, cannot be discounted. IPL franchise management must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks at all times," Saikia stated.
The advisory warns that any violation must be reported quickly. "Any breach of the aforementioned directives must be self-reported to the IPL Operations Team or the relevant IPL Venue Team at the earliest opportunity. The BCCI trusts that all IPL franchises will treat this advisory with the seriousness it warrants and take all necessary steps to uphold the integrity and reputation of the Indian Premier League. "
Saikia clarified that non-compliance would be treated as a severe offence under cricket regulations. "The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council wish to make unequivocally clear that any breach of the directives set out in this advisory shall be treated as a serious disciplinary matter. Non-compliance shall expose the relevant IPL franchise and the individual concerned to proceedings under the applicable provisions of the IPL Regulations, the BCCI Rules & Regulations, and other applicable statutes, as the circumstances may warrant. "
Consequences for breaking these rules will be decided by the BCCI and IPL Governing Council. Saikia noted that sanctions may range from financial penalties to suspension or disqualification. To clarify possible outcomes, the advisory lists several measures that can be applied at the board's discretion, depending on the seriousness of each incident.
IPL 2026: BCCI To Conduct Periodic Surveys
The board also underlined its power to check compliance. "Franchises are strongly advised to take cognisance of this advisory and take all necessary steps to ensure full compliance. The BCCI reserves the right to conduct periodic audits and inspections to ascertain adherence to these directives," Saikia added, urging management groups to respond with strict internal procedures.
Across the document, the BCCI links tighter access control, travel monitoring, and reporting duties to the protection of the IPL's image. By warning of honey-trap risks, demanding room checks, restricting contact from owners during matches, and threatening legal and regulatory action, the board signals that franchises bear shared responsibility for preventing misconduct cases in the 2026 tournament.
