The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is moving to strengthen security protocols for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises after its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) flagged serious concerns about unauthorized access to team areas, potential honey traps, and breaches of conduct.
The ACSU has reported seeing unauthorized individuals in team dugouts, buses, hotels, and the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) during the ongoing season. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that the ACSU submitted a report to the BCCI, stating that the matter is being taken seriously and stricter compliance measures will soon follow. “There are certain protocols under PMOA that need to be followed, and the BCCI will be telling the franchises to be mindful of the SOPs so that the sanctity of the tournament is restored,” Dhumal said.
A particular concern for ACSU officials is the alleged exploitation of the WAGS (wives and girlfriends) category by some younger IPL players. Sources claim that unidentified women have been allowed access to restricted team areas and travel arrangements. “The wives are not the problem, but some cash-rich younger IPL players are inviting unidentified women into rooms, and it has not escaped the ACU officials’ attention. Some of these women are introduced as girlfriends and travel on team buses reserved for families. There is a risk that naive players could be honey-trapped. Stricter rules, especially regarding girlfriends, will be included in the updated SOPs,” a franchise source alleged.
BCCI officials are also reportedly unhappy with the growing presence of social media influencers around teams and hotels during the tournament. One source noted that a former India pacer’s wife has been posting photos from the team hotel room on Instagram, seemingly ignoring lessons from a previous A tour of Australia.
The IPL season has already seen multiple controversies, including a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Romi Bhinder, personal mentor of Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, for using a mobile phone in the dugout. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was fined 25% of his match fees for vaping, and Yuzvendra Chahal was also seen vaping during a flight in a now-deleted social media clip. Vaping is illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019.