BCCI extends IPL Anti-Discrimination Code beyond season

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ruled that the IPL Anti-Discrimination Code will continue to apply to players, officials, and stakeholders even after the conclusion of the season. The code, shared with franchises recently, states that the BCCI/IPL will have jurisdiction over participants for three months after the end of their contracts, and thereafter for any breach that occurred prior to or during this three-month period.

The 11-page document notes: "All Players and Team Officials shall continue to be bound by and required to comply with the Anti-Discrimination Code until three (3) months after the termination of his or her contract… 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 code aims to maintain the public image, popularity, and integrity of the League by:

• Providing an effective means to deter any participant from conduct construed as racially and/or religiously offensive.
• Establishing a robust disciplinary procedure to deal with such matters fairly and expeditiously.

It distinguishes itself from the general Code of Conduct by specifically prohibiting any conduct likely to offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage, or vilify any person on the basis of race, religion, culture, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, and/or maternity status.

Sanctions for breaches are as follows:

• First offence: Suspension of 4 to 8 matches.
• Second offence: Suspension of 8 matches to a lifetime ban from the League.
• Third or subsequent offence: Suspension of one year to a lifetime ban from the League.

In all cases, the offender must undergo a mandatory education/counselling programme relevant to the offence committed.

The BCCI Ombudsman will adjudicate on offences but has no jurisdiction to adjust, reverse, or amend match results. Decisions under the code will be automatically recognized and enforced by the BCCI and franchises.

Breaches can be reported to the BCCI CEO within 36 hours by umpires, match referees, team managers, authorized franchise representatives, or the BCCI GM of Game Development, triggering an inquiry. Compliance with the Anti-Discrimination Code is a condition of participation in the League.