The BCCI has issued a strong advisory to IPL franchises after the Anti-Corruption Unit reported repeated match-day protocol violations by team owners and officials during IPL 2026.
Board of Control for Cricket in India has intensified its monitoring of IPL franchises after the league’s Anti-Corruption Unit raised concerns over repeated breaches of match-day operational rules during the 2026 season.
According to reports from The Indian Express, several franchise representatives and team officials were found entering or approaching restricted zones during live matches despite strict guidelines already being in place. Following these incidents, the BCCI circulated a formal advisory to all franchises, reminding them to comply with the IPL’s Player and Match Official Access protocols.
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The board reportedly stressed that franchise owners, officials, and guests are not allowed to approach players, support staff, or dugout areas during matches unless they possess specific authorisation. The Anti-Corruption Unit observed multiple cases where team representatives attempted to communicate with players from hospitality boxes or moved dangerously close to restricted sections during games.
ACU Raises Serious Integrity Concerns Over Owners’ Conduct
The Anti-Corruption Unit viewed these repeated violations as a major integrity concern, especially because unrestricted access during matches can potentially disrupt team operations and compromise security protocols.
“One of the most worrying aspects has been the behaviour 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 report quoted an official as saying.
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Reports further claimed that photographs and written observations from venue officials were shared with senior BCCI office-bearers as evidence of repeated violations.
The advisory also highlighted the board’s growing frustration over the repeated disregard for established operational guidelines despite previous warnings being issued earlier in the tournament.
Mobile Phones, Accreditation Issues Trigger Further Concern
Apart from unauthorised movement near the dugout and playing enclosure, some franchise-linked personnel were reportedly found carrying mobile phones into controlled areas, which goes against existing security protocols.
The report also mentioned that certain individuals ignored requests from security staff to show their accreditation cards during stadium checks, creating additional concern among match officials and the ACU.
Following the circulation of the advisory, the BCCI reportedly conducted a meeting with franchise CEOs to discuss the observations made by the Anti-Corruption Unit in detail. During the discussion, the board reiterated that future breaches would be treated seriously and that franchises would be held accountable for the conduct of their owners, support staff, officials, and guests on match days.
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