BCCI Cracks Down On ‘Girlfriend Culture’ In IPL, Plans Tough New Rules: Report

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly preparing to introduce stricter rules regarding Indian cricketers' frequent outings and hotel stays with their girlfriends during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Players such as Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Arshdeep Singh have been spotted with their rumoured girlfriends in team buses and hotels. 

What is the buzz?

While the excitement on the field is at its peak in the current IPL season, the personal lives of the players off the field are also making headlines.

The presence of girlfriends alongside several players, including star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, young batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan, has become a topic of discussion. Many of them have been seen accompanying the players from the bus to the team hotel.

Staying in a hotel together

Many players are also traveling with their girlfriends and some are staying with the players in hotels, while others are in the city to watch their matches, and then meet briefly. Among these are several influencers who have previously promoted betting websites on social media. Recently, several IPL players have been sued by their girlfriends.

What did BCCI say?

A BCCI official said that, "A BCCI official has stated that discussions are underway. There are no issues with wives and family members travelling with players, but the matter is considered more serious in the case of girlfriends. Earlier, girlfriends were not allowed to stay with players during the IPL, but it has now become a trend."

"If this is not stopped now, it could lead to major problems in the future. We are seeing instances where team buses are being made to wait for girlfriends, and they are staying in the same hotels as the players," the official added.

The official also revealed that “When a BCCI official raised the issue with a member of the Anti-Corruption Unit, the representative said they are not permitted to object to wives and 'official girlfriends'. When the board questioned the term 'official girlfriend', the member said that is what they had been instructed.”

"I don't know where this 'official girlfriend' rule came from. There is no such provision in the BCCI's formal policy. We only allow wives and family members under specific guidelines. We need to investigate who authorised this," the official said.