The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly expressed concern over what it describes as a “girlfriend culture” in the Indian Premier League (IPL), prompting discussions on introducing stricter regulations for players and their personal associates.
According to Indian media reports, the cricket board believes that the presence and movement of players’ partners during the tournament has, in some cases, affected discipline, team schedules, and the overall image of the league.
Sources suggest that the BCCI is preparing new guidelines aimed at limiting the unrestricted access and movement of players’ friends and partners within team environments during the IPL season. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of off-field behavior and its impact on professional conduct.
Reports claim that players such as Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Arshdeep Singh have occasionally been seen spending time with their partners during the tournament. In some instances, partners reportedly traveled with teams, stayed in official hotels, and were even present around team buses and facilities.
Officials have raised concerns that such arrangements can lead to logistical disruptions, including delays in team transport and added pressure on team management to accommodate non-official individuals within restricted environments.
The BCCI is also reportedly concerned about reputational risks, particularly when some partners are social media influencers involved in promotional activities, including advertisements for gambling or betting-related applications. This has raised additional concerns around conflicts with the board’s anti-corruption and integrity guidelines.
According to board sources, there have been past instances where interactions involving players’ associates escalated into formal complaints or disciplinary concerns. These incidents have prompted the board to reconsider how strictly access to players’ private and professional environments should be regulated.
An official familiar with the matter stated that the board is not seeking to interfere in players’ personal lives but is focused on maintaining discipline, professionalism, and the smooth functioning of tournament operations.
The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit has reportedly been informed, and new regulations are expected to be discussed in the upcoming board meeting. These proposed rules may not only apply to the IPL but could also extend to the Indian national cricket team setup.
