The IPL 2026 season has already seen a series of incidents that have raised eyebrows within the board. Rajasthan Royals’ media manager Romi Bhinder was allegedly caught using a mobile phone in the dugout, while captain Riyan Parag was seen vaping during a match. With such controversies already surfacing, BCCI officials believe it is the right time to intervene proactively rather than react later.
Reports suggest that the board has taken note of several players, including Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have been seen with their partners during the tournament. While the BCCI does not object to players being in relationships, it has expressed concern over partners staying in team hotels, travelling with squads, or even moving across cities independently to accompany players.
A key issue flagged by the board is the increasing presence of social media influencers among players’ partners. Officials worry that such associations could lead to the unintentional sharing of sensitive information, particularly in an environment where data security and anti-corruption measures are critical.
Historically, the IPL maintained stricter boundaries, with girlfriends not permitted to stay with players during the tournament. However, this practice appears to have evolved over time, prompting the BCCI to reconsider its stance. One official noted that while wives and family members are allowed to travel with players, the situation is viewed differently in the case of girlfriends.
The matter has also raised questions within the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). When approached by BCCI officials, an ACU representative reportedly stated that they are not authorized to object to the presence of wives and “official girlfriends”—a term that has itself sparked confusion within the board.
The BCCI’s concerns are not entirely new. Following India’s disappointing performance in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the board introduced stricter protocols for national team tours. One such rule limited family visits to just one week during tours exceeding 45 days. It remains unclear whether similar restrictions will now be extended beyond the IPL to international assignments.
Monitoring player conduct in the IPL presents a unique challenge due to the involvement of multiple franchises, unlike the centralized structure of the national team. This has further complicated enforcement and oversight.
Ultimately, the BCCI is weighing two possible courses of action: tightening ACU regulations or imposing a complete ban on girlfriends travelling with players during the IPL. Additional concerns have also been raised about some partners allegedly promoting betting platforms or being linked to legal disputes involving players.
While discussions are still ongoing, it is evident that the board is preparing to introduce clearer and stricter guidelines—potentially as early as the next IPL season—to safeguard professionalism, team environment, and the integrity of the game.
