New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly set to introduce tighter regulations during the Indian Premier League 2026, aiming to reinforce discipline and maintain a focused team environment across franchises.
The move comes amid growing concern within the board over players being accompanied by personal partners during team travel and hotel stays. Several high-profile cricketers, including Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Arshdeep Singh, have reportedly been seen with companions in close proximity to official team arrangements.
New Guidelines Under Consideration
According to sources, the BCCI is drafting fresh guidelines to address what it views as a growing concern impacting team discipline and operational efficiency. Officials believe that unchecked access to team spaces could disrupt schedules and affect the professional environment within squads.
One of the key issues flagged involves delays in team logistics, including instances where departures were reportedly held up to accommodate non-official companions. The board has reiterated that, under existing norms, only spouses and immediate family members are permitted access under clearly defined conditions.
Concerns Over Integrity and Image
The board is also said to be examining potential risks linked to social media activity by individuals associated with players. Concerns include the possibility of inadvertent sharing of sensitive information, as well as past instances where external associations raised questions about the league’s public image.
Additionally, officials are reportedly reviewing how certain permissions were granted, particularly in cases where companions were informally treated as “official,” despite no such category existing within current regulations.
Uniform Policy Likely Across Teams
The issue is expected to be discussed in upcoming meetings, with the BCCI considering a uniform policy applicable to all franchises. While IPL teams operate independently, the board aims to ensure consistency in rules governing player conduct and off-field interactions.
The proposed measures could also extend beyond the IPL to India’s international tours, reflecting a broader push toward maintaining professionalism, safeguarding team integrity, and minimizing external distractions.
As the league continues to grow in scale and visibility, the BCCI’s latest move signals a renewed focus on discipline and structure, both on and off the field.
