The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented strict guidelines prohibiting commentators, players, IPL owners, and social media teams from posting images or videos from the stadium on match days. This move aims to prevent individuals or teams from gaining social media followers by exploiting exclusive content rights held by broadcasters.
The decision was prompted by an incident where a former India batter posted a picture of himself commentating during an IPL game on social media. The broadcast-rights holders objected, and the BCCI staff member asked him to delete the post.
To ensure compliance, the BCCI has notified all parties involved that violations will result in consequences. “The broadcasters have paid big money for IPL rights. So commentators cannot post videos or photographs on match day on social media,” a BCCI official stated.
Even IPL teams are restricted from posting live game videos. They can only share a limited number of photographs and provide live match updates on their social media platforms. A franchise was recently fined Rs 9 lakh for sharing a video clip of a live game.
The BCCI also monitors players’ social media posts on match days. “Even players have been told to be mindful of social media posts on match days. All posts by players are being monitored,” an official said.
The broadcast rights holders, Star India for television and Viacom 18 for digital, have exclusive control over content related to “live matches” and the “field of play.” Designated BCCI staff members closely monitor posts made by commentators, IPL teams, players, and individuals present at the ground in an official capacity to enforce adherence to the rules.
