BCCI Issues Honey Trap Notice To IPL Teams. Image Credits: Social Media/AI
The IPL is the biggest T20 franchise tournament in the world, and over the years, the cash-rich league has become the best in the business, with the entire world glued to their television sets to watch their favourite cricketers play.
There is everything to love about the IPL, but it seems like the BCCI has found some flaws in IPL 2026 and is hell bent to rectify it through strict actions. While the on-field action is mesmerising, the off-field activities are what’s troubling the Indian cricket board. The BCCI is repoortedly mindful of possible Honey Trap that can happen with the players.
BCCI concerned about "girlfriend" culture in IPL
Several Indian players are performing outstandingly in the ongoing IPL, but despite their stellar efforts on the field, the IPL governing body is concerned about what’s transpiring off the field. It was reported by Dainik Jagran that the board is set to take strict action to curb the “girlfriend culture” surrounding the IPL.
The report stated that the board is worried about the long-term consequences, and they want to take action before it is too late.
The BCCI has taken note of the Indian players who were spotted with their girlfriends in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. While the board certainly has no objection to players hanging out with their partners, the authorities are not pleased that some partners are staying with them and are travelling together.
The report mentioned that since some of them are social media influencers, sensitive information pertaining to the league could be shared publicly.
(Note: BCCI has no issues with wives and family members travelling with players, but the matter is serious in case of girlfriends).
BCCI warns all IPL teams for preventing Honey Trap
The BCCI sent a strong communication to all IPL teams warning them of keeping a close eye on their players. With BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia being personally involved, he made clear to all the IPL teams that the BCCI might conduct surprise raids around who is interacting with players.
"The BCCI / IPL Operations Team may conduct periodic checks to assess adherence to the directives set forth in this Advisory. Team Managers are required to maintain records of all approved guest visits and hotel movements," the official BCCI warning stated.
"Any breach of the aforementioned directives must be self-reported to the IPL Operations Team or the relevant IPL Venue Team at the earliest opportunity. The BCCI trusts that all IPL franchises will treat this Advisory with the seriousness it warrants and take all necessary steps to uphold the integrity and reputation of the Indian Premier League," the warning note further added.
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Adding to the notification, the BCCI has also warned that if the IPL teams fail to comply, there might be serious actions against individuals involved including to the level of suspension among those found guilty.
"The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council wish to make unequivocally clear that any breach of the directives set out in this Advisory shall be treated as a serious disciplinary matter. Non-compliance shall expose the relevant IPL franchise and the individual concerned to proceedings under the applicable provisions of the IPL Regulations, the BCCI Rules & Regulations, and other applicable statutes, as the circumstances may warrant," the official document read.
"Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the following consequences may be imposed at the sole discretion of the BCCI / IPL Governing Council:
1. Show-Cause Notice: Issuance of a formal show-cause notice to the Franchise and/or the individual concerned.
2. Financial Penalties: Imposition of financial penalties on the Franchise or individual, as prescribed under the IPL Regulations.
3. Suspension or disqualification: Suspension or disqualification of the player, support staff member, or team official from the ongoing or subsequent IPL season(s).
4. For Legal Violations: In cases involving legal violations, including use of prohibited substances, breach of security protocol, or conduct amounting to harassment, referral of the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
5. Other Action: Any other action as the BCCI / IPL Governing Council may deem appropriate in the interest of the tournament and the sport.
"Franchises are strongly advised to take cognisance of this Advisory and take all necessary steps to ensure full compliance. The BCCI reserves the right to conduct periodic audits and inspections to ascertain adherence to these directives," Devajit Saikia's signed seven-page note said.
Not the first time BCCI has taken strict measures with Indian cricketers
This is not the first time the BCCI has cracked the whip on the girlfriend/wife culture in the Indian cricket team. The Indian Test side suffered a humiliating defeat against Australia in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar series, and in the aftermath, the board decided to draw the line.
Strict protocols were introduced, with one of them stating that on an away tour that lasts 45 days or more, family could only accompany a player for a week.
The decision was met with a negative response as several reports stated that players were unhappy with BCCI’s policies of barring families from touring along with them.
Also Read: Why BCCI Move IPL 2026 Final Out Of Bengaluru? Reason Revealed Officially
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