BCCI Warns IPL Franchises Over Repeated Protocol Violations

A New Era of Discipline for the IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signaled a shift toward stricter enforcement of disciplinary standards within the Indian Premier League. Following a string of high-profile incidents involving the Rajasthan Royals, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on Saturday that the board is actively exploring further measures to ensure franchises adhere to established norms and protocols.

Recent Controversies at Rajasthan Royals

The Rajasthan Royals have found themselves at the center of unwanted scrutiny during the 2026 IPL season due to two distinct breaches of conduct. The first incident involved team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder, who was observed using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match, a clear violation of anti-corruption and tournament protocols. Bhinder subsequently issued an apology to the BCCI anti-corruption unit, claiming the breach was inadvertent, yet he was fined INR 1 lakh for his actions.

The second incident involved team captain Riyan Parag, who was captured on camera vaping in the dressing room during a match against the Punjab Kings. The BCCI responded by docking Parag 25% of his match fees and issuing a demerit point. These incidents have raised broader questions regarding the level of professionalism and decorum expected from teams participating in the world’s most lucrative cricket league.

BCCI’s Stance on Team Decorum

Speaking on the sidelines of the announcement for India’s squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Mumbai, Devajit Saikia emphasized that the BCCI’s primary objective is to safeguard the image of the IPL. “We are exploring some other options about how to bring the teams which are violating the norms,” Saikia noted. He further clarified that the responsibility for maintaining standards extends beyond individual players to the entire franchise ecosystem.

“It is not just players or officials,” Saikia added. “As a team they have to maintain some decorum so that the image of the IPL is never adversely affected. To ensure that we have to take a call and we will be taking some action.” While the Secretary stopped short of detailing specific sanctions, the message is clear: the BCCI is reviewing its existing terms and conditions to prevent future lapses.

Legal and Regulatory Implications

The incident involving Riyan Parag sparked additional concerns regarding the legal status of e-cigarettes in India, where the production, sale, and procurement of such devices are strictly prohibited. When questioned about potential legal ramifications, Saikia clarified that the BCCI had not been contacted by the Punjab Police regarding the matter, which occurred in New Chandigarh. As of now, the board has treated the issue primarily as a disciplinary matter under the IPL’s code of conduct.

Franchise Response

In the wake of these incidents, Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara addressed the media, stating that both issues had been thoroughly discussed between the BCCI and the franchise. Sangakkara maintained that the organization remains committed to fostering a “very positive healthy culture” within the team, suggesting that the franchise is working internally to ensure such oversights are not repeated.

What Lies Ahead?

As the 2026 season progresses, the eyes of the cricketing world will be on the BCCI to see how they translate these warnings into concrete action. By signaling a more rigorous approach to enforcement, the board is clearly aiming to reinforce the sanctity of the tournament. For franchises, the message is simple: maintaining the integrity of the game is non-negotiable. Whether this leads to tougher fines, suspensions, or systemic changes in how teams manage their personnel during matches remains to be seen, but it is evident that the era of lenient oversight is drawing to a close.