BCCI secretary announces strict action against 'girlfriend culture' and team owners after repeated violations in IPL 2026

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has prepared an advisory to take stringent action against players' girlfriends accompanying them during IPL and multiple other rule breaches at the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026. The move comes after growing concerns within the board regarding repeated violations of anti-corruption protocols, unauthorised access to restricted areas, and controversies involving players and franchise officials during the season.

Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the BCCI and IPL are preparing an advisory set to be released later this evening after concerns emerged over several unauthorised individuals moving around alongside team members.

Also Read: BCCI unhappy with players' girlfriends staying with them during IPL who used to promote betting apps in past: Report

Devajit Saikia's official statement

Saikia, during the press address, stated that the BCCI believed some franchises and associated individuals have become lax regarding security, accreditation, and anti-corruption regulations, prompting the board to step in with stricter enforcement measures.

"This time, we have observed various anomalies and irregularities in the conduct of certain franchises and players. So BCCI and IPL are preparing an advisory, and we are going to release that advisory this evening because we have noticed that there are a lot of unauthorised persons who are moving along with the team members. And some people who are unauthorised are coming to the hotels and to the players' rooms or the team officials' room, which is totally against our anti-corruption protocols. We have also seen that certain team owners and officials are mingling with players in areas where it is not allowed. So there are certain protocols we have to follow, and we have seen there are some dilutions. We have taken this very seriously. We are issuing an advisory, and it will be very strictly followed. If there is any violation hereinafter, then BCCI and IPL will take very stringent action," Saikia told reporters as quoted by ANI.

Previous IPL incidents that triggered BCCI's crackdown

According to reports, the BCCI had already been monitoring what has been termed as the growing “girlfriend culture” around IPL teams. While the board reportedly has no issue with players’ families staying with them, concerns were raised regarding girlfriends and influencers receiving access to team environments, particularly those allegedly linked to betting or promotional activities on social media.

The board also grew concerned over controversies involving players and their personal relationships, potentially affecting the image of the league.

During IPL 2026, the BCCI had already taken disciplinary action in multiple cases. Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for breaching PMOA protocol after being spotted using a smartphone inside the dugout alongside youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Meanwhile, RR captain Riyan Parag was fined 25 percent of his match fees and handed a demerit point after being caught smoking or vaping inside the dressing room during a match against the Punjab Kings.
The latest advisory is expected to further tighten restrictions around player access, hotel movement, and conduct protocols as the BCCI looks to preserve the integrity and reputation of the IPL.