BCCI Takes Strong Action Against IPL Franchise Owners for Breaching Protocols
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken decisive steps against the owners of IPL franchises due to repeated violations of the established protocols during the ongoing IPL 2026 season. These actions come after the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) raised serious concerns regarding the behavior of franchise owners and their staff members during matches.
The BCCI had previously issued a detailed 7-page advisory to all 10 IPL franchises following several incidents where players and support staff were found to be vaping, as well as unauthorized individuals entering player and staff hotel rooms. Additionally, there were allegations that outsiders were present in restricted areas on the field during matches.
Now, the BCCI has turned its focus towards the franchise owners, implementing stringent measures to address their problematic conduct. According to reports from The Indian Express, some franchise owners have been seen entering prohibited areas of the venue during matches, attempting to make contact with players and support staff. Furthermore, some owners were reportedly carrying mobile phones onto the ground, which is strictly not allowed.
ACU Flags Serious Concerns
The ACU has expressed significant concerns about the actions of the team owners. They have been observed crossing the designated boundaries near the dugouts and dressing rooms, trying to send messages to players during live games. A source quoted in The Indian Express stated:
“One of the most worrying aspects has been the behavior of the team owners. They have been flouting rules and haven’t been cooperating. By way of evidence, there are photographs of them near the dugout. Some even carry their phones to the ground. They have been warned but it hasn’t helped.”
The BCCI has issued a stern warning to the IPL owners, emphasizing that they must remain within the designated areas during matches and strictly adhere to the IPL Player and Match Official Access (PMOA) protocol.
BCCI Secretary’s Statement
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has clearly stated that franchise owners and representatives cannot communicate directly with players or team officials inside the playing areas, such as the dressing rooms and dugouts, during matches except through approved channels.
In the advisory sent by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, the board emphasized:
“Franchise owners and their representatives 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, except through designated and approved channels.”
BCCI Warns Of Strict Action
The BCCI has also informed the franchises that stricter actions will be taken if the issue continues throughout the remainder of IPL 2026. The BCCI Secretary reiterated:
“All IPL franchise owner-level access to restricted zones must strictly conform to the PMOA Protocol as communicated by the IPL Operations Division. Any deviation shall be treated as a serious violation. Franchise management is responsible for ensuring that IPL franchise owners and their associates are fully briefed on the applicable protocols prior to each match day.”
Security Breaches Reported
It has also been noted that some team members have been reluctant to present their accreditation cards to security personnel when requested. Saikia concluded:
“It has been brought to notice that certain team members have demonstrated reluctance in presenting their accreditation cards for verification when requested by authorized security personnel. This behaviour is unacceptable and constitutes a breach of basic event security protocol.”
On Sunday, a meeting was called between the team CEOs to address these growing concerns and ensure that all parties comply with the necessary protocols moving forward.
