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Hardik Pandya, Mahieka Sharma, Rajeev Shukla and Arshdeep Singh and Samreen Kaur (Source: AFP and X)
With IPL 2026 in full swing, the excitement on the field remains at its peak. However, off-field activities involving players and their girlfriends have also drawn attention.
In recent weeks, several cricketers, including Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh, have been seen spending time with their girlfriends during IPL 2026 matches and travelling.
This trend has sparked discussions within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is now considering stricter regulations.
Earlier, after India's disappointing series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI introduced strict rules in January 2025 to control the presence of players' families during international tours.
Now, similar concerns are being raised about the IPL, where the environment is less regulated compared to national team tours. The BCCI had already implemented rules limiting the time families can spend with players during long tours.
According to those guidelines, family members, including wives and partners, can stay for only 14 days during tours longer than 45 days, and for up to 7 days during shorter tours.
BCCI to take strict action against 'Girlfriend Culture'
Now, the board is planning to expand these restrictions to the IPL. Officials are worried that the increasing presence of girlfriends, including social media influencers, could lead to distractions and potential risks.
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Additionally, there have been reports of lesser-known players travelling with their partners, with some staying in team hotels and others meeting players after matches.
BCCI preparing to enforce new rules in IPL
As per a report by Dainik Jagran journalist Abhishek Tripathi , the BCCI is currently discussing the issue internally and is expected to take it up formally in its next meeting.
One major point of concern is the lack of uniform rules across IPL franchises. Unlike international tours, where the board has full control, IPL teams are privately managed, making enforcement more difficult.
An unusual practice has also come to light, allowing 'officially announced girlfriends' to stay with players. This has surprised senior officials, as no formal guideline exists for such a category.
The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) reportedly allowed this informally, which has further prompted the need for clear and strict rules.
Officials believe that if timely action is not taken, it could lead to controversies or even compromise the league’s integrity in the future.
What is BCCI's stand on the issue?
As per the reports of Jagran, according to BCCI officials there is no issue with wives and immediate family members staying with players. However, the situation involving girlfriends is being viewed more seriously.
The board wants to ensure that players remain focused and that off-field activities do not interfere with performance or discipline.
One official stated that earlier, girlfriends were not allowed in team hotels during the IPL, but over time, this has become common.
When will these rules be implemented?
The proposed rules are likely to be finalised soon and could come into effect from the next IPL season.
While it is not yet confirmed whether the same regulations will apply to the Indian national team, officials believe similar standards may eventually be adopted there as well.
For now, the focus remains on creating a structured system within the IPL. With multiple franchises and limited central control, implementing these rules may be challenging.
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