BCCI Tightens Rules For IPL Players; Hardik, Arshdeep Among Those Under Watch

Saikia stated that some franchise owners and team officials were spotted alongside players in areas designated as restricted-access zones.

Throughout IPL 2026 season, several cricketers have also been spotted spending time with their partners during team travel and hotel stays.

Source : PTI

Board of Control for Cricket in India is preparing to introduce stricter regulations for players and team officials amid concerns over repeated breaches of protocol during IPL 2026. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that fresh guidelines are expected to be released soon after the board noticed several instances of misconduct this season.

According to Saikia, unauthorized individuals have been traveling with players on team buses and staying at official team hotels. He further stated that some outsiders were even found entering the rooms of players and support staff without approval - actions that allegedly violate the BCCI’s anti-corruption rules. The new directives are likely to be issued by Thursday evening.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI, "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."

The board is also considering tighter restrictions on franchise owners and officials during matches.

Speaking to ANI, Saikia said that certain owners and team representatives were seen accompanying players in restricted zones where entry is not permitted. Under existing IPL regulations, franchise owners are barred from entering dressing rooms during live matches.

Throughout the IPL 2026 season, several cricketers have also been spotted spending time with their partners during team travel and hotel stays. Among the players seen publicly with their partners are Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Ishan Kishan.