BCCI Pulls Up IPL Commentator. Image Credits: ChatGPT
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to strengthen security measures during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season after noticing multiple violations involving unauthorised individuals and restricted areas.
The IPL’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) recently highlighted concerns regarding unknown people being seen in team dugouts, buses, hotels, and Players and Match Officials Areas (PMOA).
Protocol Breaches Trigger Action
Following these incidents, the BCCI has intensified the implementation of its anti-corruption rules. Reports suggest that several irregular interactions were noticed between players and outside individuals who are not officially linked to the teams or the league.
The BCCI has also expressed concern regarding former cricketers working as broadcasters during the IPL. According to TOI reports, some former players were found recording videos near restricted areas meant for players and match officials.
Before the IPL 2026 began, the board had already shared clear instructions with broadcasters and production crews regarding access restrictions and recording rules.
“There have been a few breaches by a few commentators. One former international cricketer was found making videos on his phone near the dugout in a tense situation of a match. The team acted swiftly and got him to stop the recording."
"There could be a case of sending legal notices to an ex-cricketer who was found filming for his YouTube channel. The board has clearly mentioned that anybody wearing BCCI and IPL official attire can’t be seen filming at the ground,” said TOI sources.
Notably, the board believes that unauthorised recordings from sensitive areas could create security concerns during matches.
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BCCI Raises Alarm Over ‘Reel Culture’
The growing influence of social media has emerged as another major concern for the BCCI. Reports indicate that the board has warned players regarding unnecessary interactions with social-media influencers and outside individuals.
At the same time, many players have become increasingly active on social media platforms, regularly sharing behind-the-scenes videos, travel clips, and dressing-room content.
“The reel culture has led to many violations of late. There are a few Indian players who post videos on match days, just before a match and immediately after the conclusion of the match,” the source said.
The board feels that such activities may compromise discipline and expose internal team environments unnecessarily.
IPL Franchises And Senior Players Under Scrutiny
The ACSU has also raised concerns regarding franchises giving social media influencers unrestricted access to dressing rooms and team hotels for promotional purposes.
In addition, senior players have reportedly allowed family members and friends into restricted areas such as team buses and hotels. Officials believe these actions send the wrong message to young cricketers participating in domestic T20 leagues.
“There are ACU officers in team hotels in the local T20 leagues as well. BCCI’s anti-corruption guidelines are applicable in these leagues. There are anti-corruption sessions with players, team officials, and team owners.
"However, there have been a few IPL players who have taken liberties and brought in unauthorised guests to team hotels in some of the local T20 leagues. These are poor examples for young cricketers who make it to the IPL through these leagues,” TOI sources said.
Notably, the IPL remains one of the world’s biggest cricket tournaments, attracting massive global attention and commercial value each season. Therefore, maintaining security and transparency remains a top priority for the Indian board.
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