BCCI mulls stricter IPL rules to curb players’ ‘girlfriend culture’: Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly considering stricter rules around players travelling with girlfriends during the Indian Premier League, amid concerns over professionalism, team environment and potential off-field controversies.

According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the board is weighing preventive action before any major controversy erupts or sensitive internal matters become public.

The proposed restrictions could come into effect from the 2027 IPL season, though there has been no official confirmation from the BCCI.

The report claims the board has taken note of several players — including Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal — being seen with their partners during the ongoing season.

While the board reportedly has no objection to players being in relationships, concerns have been raised over some partners staying with players and travelling alongside teams throughout the tournament.

In some cases, partners are said to be travelling independently across host cities to remain close to players.

A particular concern, the report says, is that some of these partners are social media influencers, prompting fears that team-related or sensitive information could inadvertently be shared publicly.

The claims have not been independently verified.

BCCI reviewing internal discussions

According to the report, internal discussions are underway on whether fresh guidelines should be introduced.

The issue reportedly surfaced during conversations between BCCI officials and the board’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).

An official cited in the report claimed there is no issue with wives and immediate family travelling with players, but that “the matter is more serious in the case of girlfriends.”

The report further claimed that when questioned, an ACU representative referred to some partners as “official girlfriends” — a term that reportedly surprised senior board officials.

Recent IPL controversies add to concern

The debate comes amid a season already marked by off-field incidents.

Rajasthan Royals media manager Romi Bhinder was allegedly caught using a mobile phone in the dugout, while captain Riyan Parag was seen vaping.

These incidents have reportedly strengthened calls within the board for tighter oversight.

Could similar rules apply to Team India?

Following India’s poor showing in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI had already introduced stricter protocols for extended overseas tours, limiting family visits during long assignments.

It remains unclear whether any new restrictions on player companions could eventually extend beyond the IPL to the national team setup.

The report suggests the BCCI is particularly concerned about maintaining discipline in the IPL, where monitoring players is more complex due to the involvement of 10 separate franchises.

Possible measures under consideration reportedly include tighter ACU regulations or an outright ban on girlfriends travelling with players during the tournament.