BCCI eyes ban on players’ girlfriends during IPL over discipline issues

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is preparing to introduce new restrictions on the presence of players’ girlfriends during the Indian Premier League, following growing concerns around discipline, logistics, and the league’s public image.

According to Indian media reports, the issue gained attention after several high-profile players, including Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan and Arshdeep Singh, were seen with their partners at team hotels and even on team buses.

A BCCI official confirmed that the matter is currently under discussion and will be taken up formally at the board’s next meeting. “There is no problem with wives and family members staying in the hotel with the players, but we will have to be a little more serious about girlfriends,” the official said.

Reports suggest that while such arrangements were restricted in earlier seasons, the practice has recently become more common — prompting the board to revisit its stance.

Beyond optics, practical concerns have also been raised. Instances of team buses being delayed due to the presence of partners have reportedly been flagged internally, with officials viewing it as a disruption that requires intervention.

The issue has also triggered deeper integrity concerns. Some partners are social media influencers, and reports claim a few have previously promoted betting applications. The board fears this could create potential risks around the leakage of sensitive team information, whether intentional or accidental. The BCCI has reportedly briefed its anti-corruption unit on the matter.

Officials also pointed out that the IPL’s structure — with ten privately owned franchises — makes off-field monitoring more difficult compared to international cricket, where the board has direct control.

If approved, the proposed rules will apply not only to the IPL but also to the Indian national team, signalling a broader push by the BCCI to tighten off-field protocols.