The Board of Control for Cricket in India has clarified that the IPL Anti-Discrimination Code will remain applicable to players, officials, and stakeholders even after the conclusion of the tournament.
As per the guidelines shared with franchises, the code will continue to bind participants for up to three months after the end of their contracts. The Indian Premier League governing body will also retain jurisdiction beyond this period for any violations that occurred during the contract or within the three-month window.
According to the document accessed by Cricbuzz, all players and team officials must adhere to the Anti-Discrimination Code during their contract period and for three months thereafter. Any misconduct during this timeframe can still be investigated and penalised later.
The code is aimed at protecting the integrity, image, and inclusivity of the IPL. It strictly prohibits behaviour — including language, gestures, or actions — that may offend, insult, intimidate, or discriminate against individuals based on race, religion, gender, nationality, or other personal attributes.
Importantly, the Anti-Discrimination Code operates separately from the general Code of Conduct and deals specifically with serious issues related to discrimination and offensive behaviour.
Strict Penalties for Violations
The BCCI has outlined a graded punishment system for breaches:
- First offence: Suspension of 4 to 8 matches
- Second offence: Suspension ranging from 8 matches to a lifetime ban
- Third or repeated offences: Suspension from one year up to a lifetime ban
In all cases, offenders will be required to undergo mandatory education or counselling programmes to improve awareness and understanding of such issues.
Process and Enforcement
The BCCI Ombudsman will adjudicate on reported cases, although they will not have the authority to alter match results. Any decisions taken under the code will be automatically enforced by both the BCCI and franchises without additional formalities.
Incidents can be reported within 36 hours by umpires, match referees, team managers, or authorised officials, following which a formal inquiry will be conducted.
With this move, the BCCI reinforces its commitment to maintaining professionalism, inclusivity, and discipline within the IPL ecosystem — both on and off the field.
