Lucknow, May 8: Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced that the governing body is set to implement strict new rules aimed at improving transparency for all IPL players and enhancing safety measures during the tournament.
He stated that access to players will be controlled to prevent any form of misconduct, external interference, or security threats. Shukla emphasized that fans and unauthorized individuals will no longer be allowed to meet players in team hotels, team buses, or private areas without permission. These regulations are expected to be enforced in the coming days to maintain IPL’s transparency and create a safer environment for players.
Recently, the BCCI sent a seven-page guideline to all ten IPL franchises, advising teams to be cautious of potential threats such as “honey traps.” The board clarified that the safety of players and support staff is the top priority, which is why close monitoring of all hotel and team-related activities will be implemented.
According to the new guidelines, no individual will be allowed to enter a player or team official’s room without the knowledge and approval of the team manager, regardless of their relationship with the player. All team managers will also be required to keep a record of guests and player activities at the hotel.
The BCCI also stated that surprise checks will be conducted periodically to ensure compliance with the rules across all franchises. Additionally, players and officials have been warned to stay away from vaping and e-cigarettes. This follows a recent incident involving Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag, who was seen vaping in the dressing room, prompting the BCCI to take a stricter stance.
The board noted that the use of vapes and e-cigarettes is legally prohibited in India. Any player or official found violating this rule may face legal action. New directives have also been issued for franchise owners, prohibiting them from communicating with players, coaches, or support staff during matches. The board believes this will reduce unnecessary pressure and external interference during the game. The aim of these new rules is to make the IPL more transparent, safe, and professional, thereby maintaining the credibility of both the players and the tournament.