IPL 2026: BCCI Keeps Anti-Discrimination Rules Active After Contracts End

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has clarified that the IPL Anti-Discrimination Code will remain applicable to players, officials, and all stakeholders even after the season concludes. As per the code shared with franchises, the BCCI/IPL will retain jurisdiction over participants for three months following the end of their contracts. It will also have the authority to act on any breach that occurred before or during this three-month period.

"All Players and Team Officials shall continue to be bound by and required to comply with the AntiDiscrimination Code until three (3) months after the termination of his or her contract or, in respect of any Team Official, any other arrangements with a Franchisee and BCCI shall continue to have jurisdiction over him/her under the Anti-Discrimination Code thereafter in respect of matters taking place prior to that point," the 11-page document, accessed by Cricbuzz, notes.

The Anti-Discrimination Code is aimed at BCCI's "efforts to maintain the public image, popularity and integrity of the League by providing: (a) an effective means to deter any participant from conducting themselves in a manner that may be construed as racially and/or religiously offensive; and (b) a robust disciplinary procedure pursuant to which all matters of improper conduct of this nature in relation to the League can be dealt with fairly, with certainty and in an expeditious manner."

The latter is: "Engaging in any conduct (whether through the use of language, gestures or otherwise) which is likely to offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify any reasonable person in the position of a Player, Team Official, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) on the basis of their race, religion, culture, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and/or maternity status."

BCCI extends IPL Anti-Discrimination Code beyond season with strict penalties and enforcement

Penalties for a breach will vary based on its severity and the individual’s past record, ranging from a four-match suspension to a lifetime ban. A first offence may result in a suspension of 4 to 8 matches. A second offence can lead to a suspension ranging from 8 matches to a lifetime ban from the League. For a third or any subsequent offence, the suspension may extend from one year up to a lifetime ban from the League.

Any ruling made under the Anti-Discrimination Code will be automatically acknowledged and upheld by the BCCI and all Franchisees once they receive notification, without requiring any additional formalities. Both the BCCI and the Franchisees are obligated to take all legally permissible measures to implement and enforce such decisions. Compliance with the Anti-Discrimination Code is mandatory for all Franchisees as a condition for participating in the League.

Umpires, match referees, team managers, authorised senior franchise representatives, or the BCCI’s GM of Game Development may report any breach to the BCCI CEO within 36 hours of the incident, after which an inquiry will be initiated.

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by Dwijesh April 1, 2026