The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued stringent advisories to Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises amid concerns over potential honey-trap incidents and other security risks during the tournament. The warning was circulated in a seven-page directive sent on Thursday evening by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
The directive states that attempts to compromise athletes in high-profile sporting environments, including honey-trap situations, are not uncommon. It further highlights that such incidents may not only damage a player’s professional career but can also lead to serious legal complications involving allegations of sexual misconduct. Franchises have therefore been instructed to remain consistently vigilant and proactive in managing such risks.
A significant portion of the directive focuses on tightening access control within team hotels. It clearly states that no guest or visitor, whether associated with a player or support staff, will be permitted entry into hotel rooms without prior approval from the team manager. All meetings with visitors must be conducted in designated public areas such as hotel lobbies or reception lounges. In exceptional cases where room access is required, written authorisation from the team manager has been made compulsory.
The BCCI has also expressed concern over instances where players and support staff have left team hotels at unusual hours without informing designated security personnel. According to the directive, such movements have been observed without prior notification to either the Security Liaison Officers (SLOs) or Team Integrity Officers (TIOs), thereby breaching established protocols.
The key provisions outlined in the BCCI directive are summarised below:
| Area of Concern | BCCI Directive |
|---|---|
| Honey-trap risk | Franchises must remain alert to attempts to compromise players in high-profile environments |
| Hotel room access | Strictly prohibited without prior approval from the team manager |
| Visitor meetings | Limited to public areas such as hotel lobbies or reception lounges |
| Room visits | Permitted only with written authorisation |
| Movement of personnel | Mandatory notification to SLOs or TIOs before leaving team hotels |
| Compliance | Franchises must ensure strict adherence to security protocols |
The directive underscores the importance of maintaining strict discipline and robust internal monitoring mechanisms within franchises to ensure the safety and integrity of players and support staff throughout the IPL season.