BCCI issues strict SOPs to IPL franchises, warns of ‘honey trap’ risk

The BCCI on Thursday (May 7) issued an eight-page directive for the 10 IPL franchises, flagging off concerns about some serious breaches of protocols while setting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which will need to be strictly adhered to in near future.

"The advisory has been issued in light of certain incidents observed during the ongoing season and is intended to reinforce the standards of professionalism, discipline, security awareness, and protocol compliance expected from all stakeholders associated with IPL," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia wrote to CEOs of 10 franchises, a copy of which is in possession of PTI.

Eight-page document

The eight-page document sets the record straight while pointing out the breaches that have been reported by the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of BCCI.

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In the 'preamble', Saikia writes: "It has come to the attention of the BCCI that certain incidents of misconduct and protocol violation have occurred involving players, 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."

‘Unauthorised persons’ visiting players’ rooms

One of the major concerns has been visits from "unauthorised persons" in players' hotel rooms.

The document states: "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, the Team Manager was entirely unaware of the presence of such visitors. The practice is strictly prohibited with immediate effect.”

Three-point diktat for players, support staff

All players and support staff also got a three-point diktat that needed to be followed.

a) No person, irrespective of their identity, relationship to team member, or stated purpose shall be permitted entry into player's or support staff member's hotel room without prior knowledge and explicit written approval from Team Manager.

b) Guests and visitors shall be received exclusively in designated public areas of hotel such as lobby or hotel reception lounge. No guest shall be escorted to private hotel rooms unless Team Manager has specifically authorised the same in writing.

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c) The BCCI draws 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 Indian laws on sexual misconduct, cannot be discounted. IPL franchises must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks at all times.

Breaches of protocol by franchise owners

The document also highlights the breaches by unnamed team owners who have not maintained the sanctity of Players' and Match Officials Access (PMOA).

"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. Specific instances have been observed of IPL franchise owners attempting to communicate with, approach, hug, or otherwise physically interact with players during live match situations. Such conduct, however well-intentioned, directly contravenes established protocol and may constitute interference with team dynamics and match proceedings.”

Three-point guideline for owners

Due to this breach, there is also a three-point guideline for the owners.

a) IPL 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 the match, except through designated and approved channels.

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b) All 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 serious violation.

c) Franchise management is responsible for ensuring that IPL franchise owners and their associates are fully briefed on applicable protocols prior to each match day.

Prohibition on vaping, use of prohibited substances

Assam cricketer and Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag's vaping in the dressing room balcony during a match has brought a lot of disrepute not just for the franchise but also for the BCCI.

Without naming Parag, Saikia wrote, "Instances of vaping within the dressing room and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to BCCI's attention. It is pertinent to note that vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited under applicable Indian Law. Any individual found engaging in such conduct within tournament premises is not only violating BCCI and IPL regulations but may also be committing a cognisable offence under applicable statutory framework.”

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"Accordingly, the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and all prohibited substances is strictly banned within all IPL tournament venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels, and practice facilities," the BCCI document said.

(With agency inputs)