BCCI plans crackdown on players' girlfriends traveling during IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to take tough calls on girlfriends travelling with players. Several players have been spotted travelling with their partners during the IPL 2026. Many partners have also been spotted travelling in team buses and staying in the same hotels as the players. 

A report carried by Dainik Jagran has shed light on this issue, which has raised massive concerns in BCCI circles. What is more concerning is that some of these partners are major social media influencers who have reportedly earlier promoted betting apps on their social media handles. 

The move can be seen as pre-emptive to avoid a major incident. In 2013, a massive spot-fixing controversy rocked the league, which subsequently saw Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) being handed a two-year ban in 2016 and 2017. 

Indian cricket board is looking to set tough rules

One unnamed BCCI source, while speaking to the media, said, “There could be massive problems in the future if this is not stopped right away. There have been instances where team buses were asked to wait for players’ girlfriends, who have been staying in the team hotel."

The official then stated that many players have named their acquaintances as official partners in a bid to avoid the Anti-Corruption body.  “There is no rule in the board’s policy as far as girlfriends are concerned. Only the wives and other family members are allowed, as per the guidelines. There will be an investigation done soon."

Struggling IPL sides set for huge clash

Former champions Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, will be taking on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday night. The match is set to be played at the Wankhede Stadium, with MI currently ninth in the table and Lucknow being placed last. 

Pandya’s side has lost their last three games and is out of reckoning for a place in the playoffs. Their last loss away to Chennai ended any hopes of qualification. Rishabh Pant’s side is also more or less out of reckoning, but a win on Monday can keep their hopes alive mathematically.