The BCCI is preparing to introduce tougher controls around the “girlfriend culture” that has developed around some IPL players, with officials warning that the situation could create long-term complications if clear boundaries are not set early. A report notes that the board wants to act before another controversy sparks, or before internal matters leak from within the league environment. The proposed move is linked to concerns that have already surfaced during IPL 2026, and it is expected that any rule changes would be rolled out from the next season.
IPL 2026 has already seen multiple flashpoints, and the board is said to be taking them seriously. Rajasthan Royals media manager Romi Bhinder was reportedly caught using a mobile phone in the dugout, while captain Riyan Parag was seen vaping. With tensions already simmering, BCCI officials believe it is better to tighten the framework now rather than wait for a fresh incident.
The report further claims that the BCCI has looked closely at players who were seen with their girlfriends, naming Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal among those mentioned. While dating itself is not presented as an issue, the authorities are reportedly uncomfortable with partners staying with players and travelling as part of team movement. In certain cases highlighted in the report, partners are said to travel separately to different cities to spend time with the players. It also adds that some of the women involved are social media influencers, which raises concerns about sensitive information being shared publicly.
A BCCI official is quoted as saying that discussions are underway. The report states that the board does not have a problem with wives and family members accompanying players, but it views the girlfriend category as a more serious matter. It also notes that earlier, girlfriends were not permitted to stay with players during the IPL, but the practice has grown over time.
The report describes how the board raised the concern with a member of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). It claims the ACU representative indicated that they are not in a position to object to wives and “official girlfriends,” and that when the BCCI questioned the wording “official girlfriend,” the response was that this term was the one they had been instructed to use.
BCCI protocols and the wider question beyond the IPL
After India’s heavy loss in Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI introduced several strict protocols for players on tour. One guideline mentioned in the report is that for overseas trips lasting 45 days or more, a player’s family can accompany him for only one week. With the board now considering fresh action tied to the IPL, it remains unclear whether a comparable approach would apply to Indian cricketers when they are playing for the national team, especially during longer international assignments.
The report suggests that monitoring would be simpler during India duty because the board can track players more directly. However, it argues that policing similar behaviour in the IPL is harder due to the involvement of 10 separate franchises, each with its own operational routines and team ecosystems.
Another key factor behind the BCCI’s concern is the possible impact on team environment and professionalism if girlfriends are travelling with players. The board is said to be weighing two broad options: either tightening ACU-related regulations further, or taking a more direct step by stopping girlfriends from travelling with players altogether.
The report adds an additional layer to the worry by claiming that among those described as girlfriends are individuals who have previously promoted betting websites. It also states that some IPL players have faced police cases filed by their female companions, suggesting the board believes the issue carries risks that extend beyond day-to-day conduct.
