IPL Chairman Hits Back At Players Chasing Social Media Fame Through Reel Culture

IPL Chairman Hits Back At Reel Culture [Source: AP, AFP]

As the IPL 2026 season reaches its conclusion, chairman Arun Dhumal broke his silence on the off-field controversies around social media content that emerged throughout the tournament. 

All IPL teams have their social media pages for marketing and PR activities. However, this year, lines were crossed, and the BCCI had to issue a 7-page advisory to restrict players from indulging in clout-chasing activities.

Arun Dhumal against the ‘reel culture’ in the IPL

Talking to RevSportz in an exclusive interview, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal reacted to the 7-game advisory sent from the BCCI to IPL teams mid-tournament, which had guidelines to curb social media conduct, player behaviour and anti-corruption protocols.

Defending the move, Dhumal said the move was aimed at reinforcing existing rules after a series of incidents during IPL 2026, adding that players should spend their energy on cricket rather than producing social media content.

"There was information regarding certain incidents that came to light and were subsequently penalised. The matter was also discussed at the Apex Council meeting. The advisory itself was not new; it has existed for some time. It was simply reinforced to ensure that everyone takes it seriously and behaves accordingly," Dhumal said.

Dhumal further argued that cricketers should focus on realities rather than reels, saying performance, not content creation, must remain the priority during a demanding tournament like the IPL.

"I am very clear on one point: players do not need to create content. They need to perform, and content will be created automatically. They do not need to become content creators. Their focus should remain on the field. This is a very demanding tournament with extensive travel. Given that schedule, asking players to spend time creating reels does not really make sense to me," he added.

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What prompted the BCCI to take a bold move?

For context, during the IPL 2026 season, RR captain Riyan Parag was caught vaping inside the dressing room during a live game. Not only that, but the RR manager was also caught using a mobile phone in the dugout, which comes under prohibited items.

Hence, both were penalised by the BCCI. Also, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was caught sneaking in a vape inside an aeroplane, and the incident was caught in a vlog released by Punjab Kings, where Arshdeep Singh was the host.

These two incidents caused a massive social media storm, with fans questioning the IPL culture and lack of strict security policies.

Hence, to contain the backlash, BCCI took action and issued penalties where required. And to ensure such incidents are not repeated, the board further circulated a 7-page advisory.

Fixing angle also emerged during IPL 2026

Apart from social media controversy, speculations of a potential threat of fixing also emerged during the IPL 2026 season. According to reports, the 7-page advisory sent by the BCCI also contained a guideline to restrict access to players’ private rooms.

Apparently, players’ girlfriends and friends were allegedly leaking crucial team information outside, leading to corruption threats. Hence, teams were asked to monitor players’ activities outside the field.

All these controversies put the IPL in a bad light. After nearly two decades, the league may need to restructure its policies and protocols if such incidents become a norm in the future.  

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