Suspicious Individuals Approaching Cricketers? BCCI Tightens Rules, Warns IPL Franchises Against Honeytraps

The IPL’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has expressed concern regarding the unauthorized presence of individuals in team dugouts, buses, hotels, and player and match official areas during the ongoing season; consequently, the BCCI has further tightened its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the franchises. The presence of unidentified individuals in restricted zones has also heightened the risk of spot-fixing.

ACSU Submits Report to BCCI

IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that the ACSU has submitted a report to the BCCI regarding this matter. Highlighting the lapses pointed out by the anti-corruption unit, Dhumal stated that the Board is taking this issue seriously. Dhumal noted, “The ACSU has pointed out certain lapses and submitted a report indicating that unauthorized individuals were observed in dugouts, team buses, and team hotels during IPL matches.” Signaling that even stricter regulations would be implemented soon, Dhumal added that the franchises would be reminded to adhere to the pre-established rules.

Dhumal Reminds Franchises of the Rules

Dhumal further stated, “There are specific regulations governing the player and official areas that must be strictly adhered to; the BCCI will instruct the franchises to ensure compliance with these standard procedures so that the integrity of the tournament is upheld.” According to certain media reports, a meeting involving the CEOs of all franchises has also been convened for later this week to discuss these issues.

IPL Hit by Spot-Fixing Scandal in 2013

According to media reports, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also remarked, “Unauthorized individuals are traveling in team buses. Unauthorized persons are present in team hotels, and some unauthorized individuals have also been spotted in the dugout areas. Certain individuals have been sighted in places where they ought not to have been.” The IPL was rocked by a spot-fixing scandal in 2013, following which the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended from the league for two years. The Board hopes to avoid any such controversial situations in the near future.

The Threat of ‘Honey Traps’ and Similar Activities?

On Thursday evening, the Board Secretary issued a seven-page set of guidelines to the franchises. These guidelines specifically highlighted the potential threat posed by activities such as ‘honey traps.’ The BCCI stated that the presence of unidentified individuals within team hotels and dugouts makes it impossible to rule out the possibility of such incidents occurring. Consequently, the BCCI has instructed IPL franchise managements to remain vigilant and proactive at all times in order to mitigate these risks.

Are Players Exploiting Loopholes in WAGs Regulations?

It is understood that officials from the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), in their report submitted to the BCCI, have specifically drawn attention to certain young players who are allegedly exploiting loopholes in the regulations pertaining to WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends). A franchise source alleged that, on several occasions, unidentified women were granted access to restricted team areas and travel arrangements. Speaking to the news agency PTI, the source stated, “Wives are not the issue; however, some wealthy young IPL players are inviting unidentified women to their rooms—a fact that has not escaped the notice of ACSU officials.”

“These Are Women Who Are Passed Off as Girlfriends”

He further added, “In reality, these are often women who are introduced as girlfriends and subsequently travel on team buses reserved for players’ families. There is a distinct possibility that unsuspecting players could fall victim to honey traps. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are likely to include specific, stricter regulations regarding girlfriends.” It is also believed that BCCI officials are displeased with the growing presence of social media influencers around the teams and hotels during the tournament. Another source remarked, “The wife of a former Indian fast bowler appears to have learned no lessons from the ‘Australia A’ tour incident and continues to post updates on Instagram from her room within the team hotel.”

The IPL Is Mired in Controversy This Year

Several controversies have already surfaced in the IPL this year. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the teenage batsman for the Rajasthan Royals, saw his personal mentor, Romi Bhinder, fined ₹100,000 after being caught using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was also fined 25 percent of his match fee for vaping, while Yuzvendra Chahal was also spotted using a vape during a flight in a social media video. This video was posted by the Punjab Kings but was subsequently taken down. Vaping is illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019.