The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to take strict action against players, officials, family of team members and former cricketers who have started creating social media content. The BCCI has laid down anti-corruption guidelines to be followed by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. The reel culture has been under the radar as well and changes are expected soon.
As per a report by TOI, former cricketers working has broadcasters have been pulled up for making content near the players and match officials area (PMOA) during the ongoing season. The report further claimed that one former cricketer was seen filming near the dugout area during the game for his YouTube channel. The former cricketer has not been named in the report.
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“There have been a few breaches by a few commentators. One former international cricketer was found making videos on his phone near the dugout in a tense situation of a match. The BCCI team acted swiftly and got him to stop the recording. There could be a case of sending legal notices to an ex-cricketer who was found filming for his YouTube channel. The board has clearly mentioned that anybody wearing BCCI and IPL official attire can’t be seen filming at the ground,” BCCI sources told the English daily.
BCCI says no to ‘reel culture’
The BCCI is concerned about players falling into 'honey traps' due to growing presence of influencers and vloggers. The board also wants the youngsters to not focus too much on making social media content instead of fine-tuning their skills. In addition, the board doesn't want players revealing about team's travel on tours. In addition, the board has reservations about reel culture mushrooming among players.
“The reel culture has led to many violations of late. There are a few Indian players who post videos on match days, just before a match and immediately after the conclusion of the match,” the source said.
Not just cricketers but their family members have been told to do away from posting pictures and videos during the IPL as well. Earlier, there was a report of an Indian pacer who was promoting a video created by his wife about Team India's accommodation facilities. They don't want players revealing whether they are part of the playing eleven or not.
ACU wants senior players to set examples in state T20 leagues
BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has expressed concerns about India's senior players who travel with their family and friends via team bus when they are playing in state associations-run T20 leagues.
“There are BCCI ACU officers in team hotels in the local T20 leagues as well. BCCI’s anti-corruption guidelines are applicable in these leagues. There are anti-corruption sessions with players, team officials and team owners but there have been a few IPL players who have taken liberties and brought in unauthorised guests to team hotels in some of the local T20 leagues. These are poor examples for young cricketers who make it to the IPL through these leagues,” BCCI sources said.
All T20 leagues are expected to follow these strict guidelines going forward. After the IPL 2026, T20 Mumbai League will be the first state T20 competition where the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer will be seen in action.