'Unauthorised people entering player rooms': BCCI warns IPL teams over anti-corruption breaches

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia on Thursday said the board will issue a strict advisory to all Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises after noticing several “anomalies and irregularities” involving players, team officials and unauthorised individuals during the tournament.

Saikia said the BCCI found multiple breaches of anti-corruption and security rules, including unauthorised people moving with teams, entering team hotels and visiting players’ and officials’ rooms.

He also raised concerns over franchise owners and officials interacting with players in restricted areas where access is not allowed under IPL rules.

Calling the issue serious, Saikia said the BCCI and IPL governing body will release a formal advisory to ensure stricter compliance with tournament protocols. He warned that any further violations would lead to “very stringent action” from the board.

“This time, we have observed various anomalies and irregularities in the conduct of certain franchises and players. So BCCI and IPL are preparing an advisory, and we are going to release that advisory this evening because we have noticed that there are a lot of unauthorised persons who are moving along with the team members. And some people who are unauthorised are coming to the hotels and to the players' rooms or the team officials' room, which is totally against our anti-corruption protocols. We have also seen that certain team owners and officials are mingling with players in areas where it is not allowed. So there are certain protocols we have to follow, and we have seen there are some dilutions. We have taken this very seriously. We are issuing an advisory, and it will be very strictly followed. If there is any violation hereinafter, then BCCI and IPL will take very stringent action,” Saikia told reporters.

Earlier, Riyan Parag, captain of Rajasthan Royals, was seen smoking an e-cigarette in the dressing room during his side’s IPL match against Punjab Kings. Parag was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and received a demerit point after he was caught vaping inside the dressing room.

RR manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was also seen using a mobile phone near the dugout during Rajasthan Royals’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on April 10. He was fined Rs 1 lakh.