WATCH | BCCI Eyes Strict Measures After IPL 2026 Controversies Escalate

BCCI is planning stricter measures after IPL 2026 controversies involving dugout phone use, vaping and unauthorised access.

Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) raised serious concerns over multiple off-field controversies during IPL 2026 and warned franchises of strict action for future violations. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board is planning to release a new advisory with stricter measures after observing several irregularities involving players, officials and unauthorised individuals.

The governing body has become unhappy after incidents involving restricted-area access, player entourages and breaches of anti-corruption protocols. Rajasthan Royals media manager Romi Bhinder drew attention after cameras spotted him using a mobile phone inside the players’ dugout, where phone usage remains prohibited.

READ ALSO | IPL 2026: BCCI Issues Notice to RR Manager Romi Bhinder Over Dugout Phone Use 

“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,” Saikia was heard saying in a video published by ANI.

“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,” he added.

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia says, "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… pic.twitter.com/JtScEpcpCg

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2026

The board also monitored the presence of unauthorised people around players at hotels and team areas. Reports further highlighted that girlfriends of several cricketers, including Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal, travelled frequently with teams.

The vaping controversy involving Riyan Parag also attracted criticism and added pressure on IPL authorities.

READ ALSO | Riyan Parag Fined 25% Match Fee for Vaping Incident in IPL 2026