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IPL chairman Arun Dhumal shared his views on cricketers’ use of social media and BCCI’s attempt to restrict players’ activities online under the new rules.
During IPL 2026, many controversies related to both players and teams have come to light on social media. Certain incidents on the field and “unpleasant” activities in players’ hotels have also been brought to the attention of the BCCI.
BCCI introduced new rules between IPL 2026
During the middle of IPL 2026, BCCI issued a 7-page advisory to all the franchises, outlining the procedures to be followed by all the teams and franchises.
Among other things, the BCCI warned players and franchises against possible honey-trapping and tried to prevent players’ girlfriends from traveling with teams. Apart from this, BCCI also wanted the franchises to stop ‘reel culture’ and vlogging.
The advisory also mentioned that players should not leave their hotel rooms or bring unauthorized guests into their rooms without obtaining permission from the team manager.
The advice came after some worrying incidents during matches. Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using his phone in the team’s dugout during a match. After a few matches, team captain Riyan Parag was seen lighting an e-cigarette in the dressing room, even though vaping is illegal in India.
Similarly, Punjab Kings has been battling one off-field controversies one after another. There have been rumors of players being undisciplined and internal rifts in the team. Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was criticized for his vlogging and was recently criticized on social media for making racist comments.
“The new instructions are reinforcement” – Arun Dhumal
IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Dhumal spoke to India Today on the sidelines of the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore match at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. He said that while the board doesn’t really want to control what players post on social media, they do want to maintain the integrity of the game.
He said, “Most of the things that happen on social media, we can’t always be assured about their authenticity or how true they are. But whatever we need to do to maintain the integrity of the game, we do our level best. A lot more comes out in the media than what it actually is, so you have to take it with a pinch of salt.”
He was also asked about the new advisory from BCCI and he said that it is a reminder rather than a completely new policy. He said that some small incidents have damaged the integrity of the game and the BCCI just wants to strengthen the standards that both teams and players must follow.
“It’s definitely a routine instruction, but looking at the little scenes that happened, we thought we could reinforce them. I’m very confident that the franchises know their responsibilities very clearly, and they follow it because it’s not just the BCCI that will be affected if the tournament is affected; it will affect everyone.
“They are all very responsible, and they definitely know that. So it is always a collective effort of the BCCI and all the franchises where we ensure that the integrity of the game is respected and the quality of the game is maintained,” he said.
Also read: IPL 2026 playoffs behind closed doors? BCCI asked to reduce venues amid fuel concerns
Dhumal then talked about his views on social media and how it affects everyone involved.
He further added, “I would say social media is the most anti-social thing. So I’m personally not in favor of social media. I believe there should be a lot more socialization as players and as individuals, but unfortunately, I find it to be the most anti-social thing.”
He was then asked whether a policy would be made in which players would be asked not to use social media at all, especially during the IPL.
He responded, “No, people will eventually understand. People get the hang of it for a while, but ultimately, you understand that it’s real human values and human relationships. And in the context of the kind of technological intervention we’re doing, core human values will be the most premium.”
