BCCI extends anti-corruption surveillance to players’ families and broadcasters

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has augmented its anti-corruption measures during IPL 2026. They are now monitoring not just the players and team officials, but also keeping a close watch on their family members, broadcasters, and social media content creators working around the franchises.

The development comes after growing concerns over increased social media activity around the teams. Officials are worried that excessive presence of social media could inadvertently leak sensitive information through videos and reels. The stringent scrutiny has already led to action being taken against some former cricketers in broadcasting roles this season.

Ahead of the start of the tournament, the BCCI had issued strict operational and anti-corruption guidelines for broadcasters to adhere. The directive included clear instructions for crew members regarding access and behaviour in restricted areas near players and match officials.

"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 TOI.

The board's concern seemingly stemmed from the growing trend of content creation within the IPL ecosystem. Players, former cricketers, influencers, and even players' family members are regularly sharing behind-the-scenes footage and photos from team hotels, airports, and match venues. The tendency of all these entities to make everything related to IPL public has prompted the anti-corruption unit to extend its scrutiny to the players' immediate families and close circles as well.

Family members have reportedly been advised not to post any pictures or videos during the tournament. Additionally, franchises are being scrutinised for granting social media creators unchecked access to team environments.