Hardik Pandya, Mahieka Sharma under scanner? BCCI to take THIS action on ‘Girlfriend Culture’ in IPL - Reports
The board considers stricter regulations after players come under focus during IPL 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce stricter regulations in the Indian Premier League (IPL) following growing concerns around what has been termed as “girlfriend culture” during the 2026 season. The development has gained attention amid increasing scrutiny over off-field conduct and team environments.
The issue has come into focus at a time when players, including Hardik Pandya, have been under the spotlight during the ongoing season. Pandya along with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma has been constantly seen travelling during IPL 2026.
According to reports in Dainik Jagran indicate that some players have been accompanied by their partners in team hotels and during travel, which has raised concerns within the board.
The BCCI is not satisfied with the current situation and is preparing to bring in clear guidelines to regulate such instances. The move is aimed at ensuring consistency across franchises and maintaining discipline within team setups.
BCCI plans stricter rules to regulate team environments in IPL
Reports suggest that the board is preparing to take strict action, and the discussions are underway to enforce rules regarding the presence of girlfriends in the team environments.
As per the report, the BCCI has clarified that family members and wives are not an issue under existing guidelines. However, there is currently no formal provision that allows girlfriends to be part of official team arrangements, such as hotel stays or travel with the squad.
A senior BCCI official has indicated that certain franchises may have allowed such access informally, leading to inconsistencies across teams. The board is now looking to standardise regulations to avoid such variations.
There are also concerns related to security and information flow. Reports suggest that some individuals accompanying players are social media influencers, which has raised concerns about potential leaks of sensitive team-related information.
The BCCI is expected to discuss the matter in upcoming meetings, where stricter protocols could be finalised. These rules could be implemented from IPL 2027 and may also extend to Indian team tours.
The BCCI’s proposed move reflects an effort to tighten off-field regulations and ensure better control within team environments. The development has gained traction after players like Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh and others came under focus, prompting the board to consider formal and stricter guidelines.
What is the BCCI’s new concern in IPL 2026?
The BCCI is concerned about the increasing presence of players’ girlfriends in team environments, including hotels and travel.
Are family members and wives affected by these rules?
No, the BCCI has clarified that family members and wives are allowed under existing guidelines.
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Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.