The BCCI has warned IPL franchises that “celebrity status” provides no immunity against the league’s Code of Conduct. Following a season marred by public outbursts and dugout friction, the Board is tightening its grip on team owners and management.
The message is clear: the dugout is for strategy, not theatrics.
Internal reports suggest the Board is particularly frustrated with how certain owners handled themselves during the 2024 season. While the IPL thrives on high emotion, the BCCI views recent instances of owners publicly berating players or crowding match officials as a direct hit to the league’s professional standing.
“The line between passion and misconduct was crossed too often this year,” a Board official said. “We’ve seen owners in restricted zones where they don’t belong and heard complaints about how they interact with the technical staff. It stops now.”
The crackdown follows a heated meeting in Mumbai where the Board reportedly “pulled up” several franchises for failing to rein in their management. The concerns aren’t just about optics. The BCCI is worried that the increasing interference from owners—both on the field and in the dressing room—undermines the authority of the coaching staff and the sanctity of the game.
Specific protocol breaches flagged include:
* Unauthorized personnel entering the field of play during strategic timeouts.
* Public criticism of umpiring decisions by high-profile team representatives.
* Aggressive confrontations with match referees post-game.
The “So What?” for the teams is a looming threat of heavier financial penalties and restricted access. In previous seasons, fines were often seen as a mere “cost of doing business.” The Board is now considering tougher sanctions, including temporary bans from the dugout for repeat offenders.
Franchises have been told to “sensitize” their owners and support staff immediately. The Board wants the focus back on the cricket, not the VIP boxes.
This isn’t just about keeping the peace. It’s about protecting the IPL brand. As the league’s valuation continues to skyrocket, the BCCI knows that sponsors and global broadcasters have little appetite for mid-game meltdowns that overshadow the sport.
The Board has sent the revised SOPs to all ten teams. If the behavior doesn’t change by the first toss of the 2025 season, the BCCI has signaled it won’t hesitate to make an example of the biggest names in the room.
