IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has asked players to prioritise what happens on the field over what gets posted online during the tournament. He cautioned that the urge to create reels and behind-the-scenes clips can pull attention away from cricket, especially in the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League.
While acknowledging that social media is now woven into modern sport, Dhumal stressed that it should not interfere with focus during matches and the surrounding competition. He pointed to Virat Kohli as a benchmark, saying the former India captain’s online presence does not translate into distraction on the field.
Quick facts
- IPL chairman Arun Dhumal urged cricketers to focus on on-field performances over social media activity during tournaments.
- Dhumal advised players to avoid making reels and behind-the-scenes videos while the IPL is underway.
- He cited Virat Kohli as an example of staying fully focused on cricket despite a large online following.
- Recent attention has been drawn to players’ social media behaviour during IPL 2026.
- Arshdeep Singh was linked to a controversy involving alleged BCCI warnings about behind-the-scenes vlog content.
- Reports claimed a travel vlog showed Yuzvendra Chahal vaping on a team flight to Hyderabad, with edited clips later circulating.
- A Snapchat clip featuring Tilak Varma drew backlash after Arshdeep made remarks described by some users as having racist undertones.
- The BCCI reportedly issued fresh operational and security guidelines to all 10 franchises, including rules around social media conduct, anti-corruption, smoking/vaping restrictions, and player behaviour.
Dhumal’s message was clear: he wants cricketers to chase “realities rather than reels.” In his view, players should deliver impact through performances, not through online content churned out during ongoing tournaments.
His remarks arrive as social media activity by players in IPL 2026 has again come under the spotlight. One recent flashpoint involved Arshdeep Singh, after reports claimed the BCCI had warned him over behind-the-scenes vlog material connected to other players.
As per those reports, one of Arshdeep’s travel vlogs allegedly featured Yuzvendra Chahal vaping during a team flight to Hyderabad. Clips from the footage reportedly went viral across social platforms before the original upload was said to have been edited later.
There was another controversy that drew online criticism, this time involving a Snapchat video featuring Tilak Varma. In the clip, Arshdeep was reported to have joked about Tilak using a term that drew backlash, and he suggested Tilak should apply sunscreen.
Several users objected to the remarks, arguing they carried racist undertones. The episode, alongside the earlier vaping-related chatter, has intensified scrutiny on how players conduct themselves and communicate online during the IPL season.
BCCI guidelines cited
Earlier in the month, it was also reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) circulated updated operational and security instructions to all 10 IPL franchises. The advisory reportedly covered expected standards of behaviour on social media, anti-corruption procedures, restrictions around smoking and vaping, and broader guidelines for player conduct throughout the tournament.
With fresh warnings and renewed public debate, the league’s message from its top administrator is aimed at keeping players disciplined during match weeks—less noise online, more attention to cricket when it matters most.
