NEW DELHI: The BCCI has warned IPL teams that stricter action could follow if franchises continue to break rules during the 2026 season. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board is reviewing protocols and may introduce stronger measures against teams that damage the league’s image.The warning comes after Rajasthan Royals faced two separate controversies this season. Team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh after he was seen using a mobile phone near the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Later, captain Riyan Parag was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and handed a demerit point after being caught vaping inside the dressing room during a game against Punjab Kings.“We are exploring some other options about how to bring the teams which are violating the norms,” Saikia said, as quoted by news agency ANI. “We will be taking some action. We are looking at the various terms and conditions and protocols of IPL (around) how the teams behave.”Saikia stressed that maintaining discipline is not only the responsibility of players but also team officials and franchises as a whole.“It is not just players or officials. As a team, they have to maintain some decorum so that the image of the IPL is never adversely affected. To ensure that we have to take a call and we will be taking some action,” he added.Bhinder had reportedly apologized to the BCCI anti-corruption unit and said the phone usage near the dugout was accidental.
Sangakkara says issues have been addressed
Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara also reacted to the controversies, admitting that such incidents reflect poorly on the franchise but insisted the team has already dealt with the matter internally.“I think it is, of course, a reflection that is not positive on the team, a controversy of any kind,” Sangakkara said. “And the constant reminder to the players is to make sure they’re responsible to the franchise and to our culture and our values.”
