‘Reel culture led to many violations’:BCCI warns players families amid corruption fears, says, ‘Refrain from posting pictures videos’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has started taking stricter action during IPL 2026 to ensure players, officials, broadcasters and team members follow anti-corruption guidelines properly. The board is especially focusing on social media activities and unauthorised access around teams and players. Reportedly, the BCCI has become concerned about the growing influence of vloggers, influencers and excessive content creation during the tournament. The board feels that some activities could create security and integrity risks for the league. Several former cricketers working as commentators have already been warned for recording videos near sensitive areas inside stadiums. The BCCI has reportedly made it clear that strict rules must be followed throughout the IPL season. Broadcasters warned over stadium videos during IPL matches According to the report of The Times of India, some commentators and former cricketers were found making videos near the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), which is considered a restricted zone during matches. Ahead of IPL 2026, the BCCI had already shared detailed guidelines with broadcasters and crew members regarding filming restrictions. However, a few breaches were reportedly noticed during the tournament. “There have been a few breaches by a few commentators. The former international cricketer was found making videos on his phone near the dugout in a tense situation of a match. The BCCI team acted swiftly and got him to stop the recording. There could be a case of sending legal notices to an ex-cricketer who was found filming for his YouTube channel. The board has clearly mentioned that anybody wearing BCCI and IPL official attire can’t be seen filming at the ground,” BCCI sources said. BCCI is concerned about franchise influencer culture The board is also worried about players becoming too involved in social media content during tournaments. Reports suggest that some cricketers have been asked to reduce posting videos related to team travel, dressing room activities, and match-day routines. The ‘honey traps’ the BCCI is concerned about also stems from the players’ growing proximity with influencers and vloggers. The report further mentioned that franchises have allowed influencers and content creators inside team environments, which has increased the chances of guideline violations. The BCCI also reportedly warned one Indian fast bowler earlier after his wife shared a video showing details of the Indian team’s accommodation facilities. “It has also been noticed, unfavourably, that franchises have hired social media influencers and given them unfiltered access within the team. The reel culture has led to many violations of late. There are a few Indian players who post videos on match days, just before a match and immediately after the conclusion of the match,” the source said. Focus on team discipline and state leagues The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has also raised concerns over senior players allowing family members or friends to travel in team buses during tournaments. The board is now extending these strict guidelines to domestic T20 leagues organized by state associations as well. ACU officers are reportedly present at team hotels during local tournaments too. “There are BCCI ACU officers in team hotels in the local T20 leagues as well. BCCI’s anti-corruption guidelines are applicable in these leagues. There are anti-corruption sessions with players, team officials and team owners but there have been a few IPL players who have taken liberties and brought in unauthorised guests to team hotels in some of the local T20 leagues. These are poor examples for young cricketers who make it to the IPL through these leagues,” BCCI sources concluded.