BCCI Warns IPL Teams Over Protocol Violations

GUWAHATI -Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has warned of strict action against protocol violations in the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying the Board will crack down on unauthorized access involving team members, officials and franchise personnel.

He added that several incidents were in direct violation of the Board’s anti-corruption protocols.

“We have observed unauthorized persons travelling with team members, including in team buses, and some individuals visiting team hotels and even players’ or officials’ rooms without authorization. This is completely against our anti-corruption protocols,” Saikia said on May 7.

Last month, Rajasthan Royals came under scrutiny on two separate occasions. Team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh and issued a warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.

In another incident, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson was reportedly seen vaping inside the dressing room during the match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.

“We have taken these matters very seriously. You have already seen the incident involving the Rajasthan Royals manager using a mobile phone, and a player being caught vaping. These incidents are already in the public domain. We are not sitting idle,” Saikia added.

The BCCI secretary said any future violations would invite strict disciplinary action from both the BCCI and the IPL organizing committee.

“If there is any violation hereafter, the BCCI and IPL will take very stringent action. Whoever the violator may be, we will not spare anybody,” Saikia warned. (IANS)