From warning to ban: All you need to know about honey trap risk in IPL and a letter from BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in action mode after recent controversies in the Indian Premier League 2026. Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals captain, was seen vaping in the dressing room during the contest against the Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh, while the support staff of the 2008 champions used a mobile phone in the dugout. To curb such incidents, the Indian Cricket Board issued a 7-page letter, which is a final warning. The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia feels the professional standard of the IPL has been impacted. The players and the teams have been told to follow the new SOPs or face suspension and legal action.

What led to a warning by the BCCI?

The two incidents involving the Rajasthan Royals served as the final blow. The team manager, Romi Bhinder, was fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile, which is against the protocols. This was followed by Parag's vaping incident, with the match referee penalizing him with a fine of 25 percent of his match fee. The BCCI has banned the use of vapes e-cigarettes across all venues, warning that such acts will not be tolerated in the future. 

Why did BCCI warn players about honey-trapping?

The Anti-Corruption Unit of the BCCI has flagged the unauthorized access of individuals to the players in the IPL. The board feels it could lead to honey trapping and pose a risk to the high-profile nature of the tournament. The social media influencers, friends, and acquaintances are traveling with the players on the team buses and staying in the hotel rooms, raising concerns from the top brass of the board. These gaps could lead to extortion, blackmail, and leaking of the information related to the combinations and strategies of the franchises before the matches in the 19th season of the tournament.

Formation of IPL Operations Task Force 

To ensure the implementation of the new rules, a new joint IPL Operations Task Force will be established. The officials will inspect the hotel rooms of the players and the restricted zones. No outsider will be allowed to enter the room of the players without prior permission from the Team Manager. The interactions with the guest, regardless of the relationship with the player, must now be held in hotel lobbies and lounges to ensure everything is monitored.

New IPL Code of Conduct 

Honey Trap: Players have been told to remain vigilant while interacting with individuals and social media influencers.

Access to the Rooms: The approval of the Team Manager is needed before entering a player's room.

Movement of the players and support staff: Players and members of the support staff will need permission from the security liaison officers before leaving the hotel.

Accreditation: ID cards are a must in hotels, venues, and practice sessions.

Dugout Restrictions: Owners are not allowed to meet or interact with the players during matches.

Vaping Guidelines: Use of vapes and e-cigarettes is banned.

No device use: Mobile phones are banned from the dugouts for players and support staff members.

Suspension on the cards: Players will be suspended with immediate effect for breaching the protocols.

Consequences for failing to follow the instructions 

Franchises will be held responsible if their players and staff members are found guilty of breaking the rules. It is mandatory for the teams to conduct a meeting within 48 hours of receiving the letter, and every player must give in writing that they have understood the new rules.

"Franchises will have to remain on alert and proactive to deal with the risks,' the BCCI secretary, Saikia, stated. 

"Any breach will have to be reported to the IPL Operations Team or the relevant authority at the earliest. The BCCI trusts that all franchises will follow the SOPs and take steps to ensure that the integrity and the reputation of the Indian Premier League are not harmed."