The Board of Control for Cricket in India has moved to reinforce discipline standards across the Indian Premier League, with BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stating that teams will face stronger oversight following recent incidents, as he addressed reporters at the BCCI headquarters. His remarks come amid growing concern within the governing body over maintaining the league’s reputation, prompting a review of behavioural protocols and potential escalation of enforcement measures.
BCCI signals stronger action on team conduct
Setting the tone for a stricter regulatory approach, Saikia told reporters, “We will be taking some action and we are looking at various terms and conditions and protocols of the IPL on how the teams should behave.” He further said, “In the press release we have very clearly said that we are exploring some other options on how to rein in the teams which are violating the norms,” outlining the board’s intent to expand its disciplinary framework.
Reinforcing that accountability extends beyond individuals, he added, “It is not only their players or an official, as a team they have to maintain certain decorum so that the image of IPL is never adversely affected. To ensure that we have to take a call and we’ll be taking some action,” placing responsibility on franchises as collective entities.
Recent incidents prompt governance response
The renewed focus follows multiple disciplinary cases involving Rajasthan Royals, including the vaping incident involving captain Riyan Parag, as previously reported by cricexec. He was subsequently penalised with a 25 per cent deduction from his match fee, as reported previously by cricexec, forming part of the board’s immediate response to the breach.
Addressing the broader disciplinary stance linked to that case, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said in an official email statement, “The BCCI is also exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and player/s to ensure that the reputation of IPL remains intact.”
In a separate incident, the franchise’s team manager was fined ₹1 lakh (approx. US$1.1K) for violating dugout protocols by using a mobile phone during a match, as reported previously by cricexec, adding to the sequence of issues that triggered the board’s intervention.
No external escalation in vaping case
When asked whether the Punjab Police had approached the BCCI following the vaping incident, given that e-cigarettes are banned in India, Saikia said, “No. There is no such situation.” This confirms that the matter has remained within the board’s internal disciplinary processes.
Operational updates and league dynamics
Beyond disciplinary matters, Saikia also outlined developments related to the tournament schedule, stating, “We are going to announce the venues in two days’ time. We are working on, which all can be our appropriate venues for the IPL playoffs and the finals. So, we’ll take another two days’ time,” pointing to imminent decisions on key fixtures.
He also addressed discussions around match patterns and scoring trends, noting, “Some low scoring matches are also there. All the fans are enjoying the matches. The bowlers are getting good wickets (as well). Some teams are scoring very low scores too if you look at the overall scorecards and some teams are chasing 260 also,” reflecting the variability observed across the season.
Impact player rule under review timeline
On regulatory aspects of gameplay, Saikia indicated that conversations around the Impact Player rule will continue beyond the current season, stating, “This (discussion on the rule) has been going on for the last two years. We are reviewing it after this tournament is over, and in the middle of the tournament, we cannot take any call,” confirming that any decision will follow a structured review process.
He further clarified the absence of formal pushback from franchises, adding, “There is no official request that we should revisit this particular impact player proposition. It is in the media (that) I sometimes read it. But if it comes from the teams, then we’ll have to take a call. But till now, no such situation has arisen.”
Governance focus sharpens amid league growth
The latest developments underline a tightening regulatory posture from the BCCI as it seeks to preserve the IPL’s global standing while navigating increasing scrutiny around team conduct. With multiple incidents prompting internal review, the board’s next steps are expected to shape how discipline and accountability are enforced across franchises moving forward.
