The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that it will be conducting periodic checks on IPL teams while the tournament is still running, as per a report in Cricbuzz.
The development comes after the announcement of a new set of guidelines for IPL teams on Thursday. The checks will be conducted to see if the teams are adhering to the guidelines or not.
The board also announced that a special operations team will be formed by the BCCI/IPL to conduct these checks.
BCCI drafts new guidelines for all IPL franchises to follow
The BCCI decided to crack down on the movements of IPL teams after certain controversial incidents came to light. Most notably, Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a cell phone in the dugout. A few days later, Royals captain Riyan Parag was seen lighting an e-cigarette in the dressing room.
The board also seems to have taken objection to the players’ girlfriends travelling with the team rather than on their own. BCCI’s earlier directive had contained a warning against potential honey-traps.
Also Read: Honey-trap warning, hotel restrictions: BCCI sends explosive 7-page guideline to IPL franchises
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announces periodic spot checks
In the document where the board announced the guidelines, Saikia also communicated the steps that the BCCI would take to ensure that the guidelines are followed.
“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.
“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 communication said.
Consequences of non-compliance
The document went on to mention the punishments that players and/or teams may have to face if they failed to comply with the guidelines. Devajit Saikia said that the punishments include fines, suspensions, and legal action is necessary.
“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.
“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.
