IPL Trophy (Image Source: BCCI/IPL)
NEW DELHI: As the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has become aggressive in implementing its anti-corruption guidelines in the IPL, it has started putting heavy pressure on players, officials, families of team members and broadcasters who create social media content, TOI has learnt.A few former cricketers working as broadcasters have already been reprimanded by the board for making videos near the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) during this season. Ahead of the Indian Premier League, the board shared stricter guidelines with broadcasters, including guidelines for crewing.“There has been some abuse by a few commentators. A former international cricketer was found making videos on his phone near the dugout in a tense match situation.
The BCCI team acted quickly and urged him to stop the scoring. There may be a case of legal notices being sent to a former cricketer who was found filming for his YouTube channel. The board has clearly stated that anyone wearing BCCI and IPL uniforms cannot be seen filming on the ground,” BCCI sources said.
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The “honey traps” that the BCCI is concerned about also stem from the growing proximity of gamers to influencers and vloggers.
There are also concerns that the new generation of cricketers are becoming too obsessed with posting too much content on social media. An Indian cricketer has been asked to curb his habit of posting content about his team’s travel and other whereabouts.It has also been noted, inappropriately, that franchisees have hired social media influencers and given them unfiltered access within the team. “Reel culture has led to many abuses in recent times.
“There are a few Indian players who post videos on match days, right before the match and right after the match,” the source said. A former Indian cricketer has been asked not to post content on his YouTube channel during an ongoing series.
It is also learned that the families of the players have been asked to refrain from publishing photos and videos during the Indian Premier League.The board had previously warned an India fast bowler after he was found promoting a video of the Indian team’s accommodation facilities set up by his wife.
There have been instances in the Indian Premier League where a player will almost reveal whether he is in the starting XI on match days through these reels.
Focus on top players and state tournaments
ACU has pointed out the issue of senior international players allowing their family/friends to travel on the team bus. The focus is also on domestic T20 leagues hosted by state associations. “BCCI ACU officers are present at team hotels in domestic T20 leagues as well. BCCI anti-corruption guidelines apply 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 unauthorized guests to team hotels in some domestic T20 leagues.”
“These are bad examples of young cricketers who have made it to the IPL through these leagues,” BCCI sources said. All state T20 associations are likely to implement the revised guidelines issued by the governing body.