Virat Kohli Anushka Sharma Hardik Pandya Mahieka Sharma. Image Credits: AFP/Instagram
Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League have been known to comment on cricketing activities in recent times on social media.
While his topics remain varied, from bashing Sanjiv Goenka to slamming the eligibility of The Hundred, the President and Managing Director of Modi Enterprises have now slammed Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, for an ‘unacceptable’ action she performed after a match.
Notably, Mahieka Sharma has been with Hardik Pandya since October 2025, with the couple often seen together in cricket stadiums, travelling with each other during cricket matches. However, as per Lalit Modi, this gesture of the MI captain and his acquaintance should be banned immediately.
The Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma ‘Stick Together’ Fiasco
After Pandya’s divorce from his wife, Natasa Stankovic, the Indian all-rounder has found solace in Instagram influencer and girlfriend Mahieka Sharma.
The two publicly shared affectionate moments even at the Narendra Modi Stadium after the Men in Blue lifted the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy. To everyone's surprise, Hardik even called Mahieka his Missus as no one knew the couple had tied knots.
Mahieka’s presence has been a customary happening in Hardik’s every cricket match since last year, and the cricketer himself has also credited his girlfriend for all the good luck she brings.
However, contrary to certain rules and regulations set by the BCCI, Mahieka also travels with Hardik in team buses, with the couple often seen sitting beside each other, as clicked by paparazzi from outside.
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Lalit Modi Furious At Mahieka Sharma’s Behaviour
After the Mumbai Indians lost their most recent IPL clash against the Punjab Kings on April 16 by 7 wickets, a viral social media clip showed the MI players returning to their team buses. Mahieka also made it to the team bus after the match, later accompanied by Hardik Pandya.
As per the Instagram handle, buzzbrief247, the team bus had to wait 20 minutes for Mahieka’s arrival, which led to visible frustration for onboarders in the bus. However, the context of the video is incorrect. Mahieka was travelling in a separate bus not meant for the main players.
Resharing the viral clip on his official social media handle on X, Lalit Modi expressed condemnation of the behaviour while also hoping sarcastically that the video was made via AI.
“I hope this is fake news. Another complete No No as far as allowing Spouses and Girlfriends on the team's official bus. Hope this is an Ai - will someone check if true. If true - then again something amiss with this new rule. @IPL” Modi wrote on his wall.
What Does The IPL Rule Say About Spouses And Friends Travelling in Team Buses?
To the surprise of many, under the recent modifications of the IPL 2026 rules, spouses, family members, and friends are strictly prohibited from travelling in the official team bus.
The only benefit that a cricketer’s acquaintance can have is limited to watching the match from the hospitality area. In fact, even a cricketer is not allowed to travel privately without his team bus.
If the rule is violated, Hardik Pandya should have been warned by BCCI officials for breaching the travel rules. On a second warning, financial penalties might be imposed, and non-compliance with directives might also trigger match suspensions.
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