NEW DELHI – Board of Control for Cricket in India has raised concerns over the growing presence of players’ girlfriends and partners during the Indian Premier League, with the officials indicating that the issue has become a major point of focus for the board.
The Indian media reported that the BCCI believed that the increasing involvement of players’ girlfriends and partners in team-related activities is affecting discipline, logistics and the overall image of IPL.
The board is now preparing to introduce stricter regulations to limit their movement and access during the tournament.
Sources said that girlfriends and partners have frequently been seen travelling with teams, staying in official hotels, and accompanying players at public events. Officials have expressed concern that this trend has at times caused delays in team movements and created management challenges.
The issue has also drawn attention due to reports that some partners, including social media influencers, have been involved in promotional campaigns, including endorsements of betting-related applications, which could conflict with league regulations.
Several players, including Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Arshdeep Singh, have been mentioned in reports highlighting the growing trend of partners accompanying teams during IPL engagements.
Board officials said that in the absence of formal regulations, such situations have, in some cases, escalated to complaints, prompting the need for clear guidelines. The matter has also been referred to the anti-corruption unit.
The BCCI is expected to finalise new rules in its upcoming meeting, with officials indicating that the regulations will not only apply to the IPL but may also be extended to the Indian national team as part of broader efforts to enforce discipline.
