The Board of Control for Cricket in India is preparing to tighten its grip on what officials are calling the growing “Reels culture” during IPL 2026. The board is reportedly planning strict action against players, support staff, commentators, family members, and even former cricketers who have been creating social media content from restricted areas during the tournament.
According to reports, the BCCI has become increasingly concerned about the rise of behind-the-scenes videos, Instagram reels, and YouTube content being filmed around team hotels, dugouts, and Players and Match Officials Areas (PMOA). Several former cricketers working as broadcasters have already been warned after allegedly recording videos near sensitive match zones during live games.
One particular incident reportedly involved a former international cricketer, now part of the official commentary panel, filming content near the dugout for a personal YouTube channel during a tense match situation. BCCI officials intervened immediately and stopped the recording. Sources have suggested that legal notices could even be considered in certain cases involving repeated violations.
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“There have been a few breaches by commentators. One former international cricketer was found making videos near the dugout during an intense moment of a match. The BCCI team acted quickly and stopped the recording. The board has made it very clear that anyone wearing official IPL or BCCI attire cannot film content inside the ground,” a BCCI source told The Times of India.
The crackdown is also linked to the board’s growing concern over security risks, including the possibility of “honey trapping” and unauthorised access around players and team environments. With influencers and social media personalities becoming increasingly visible during IPL events, the BCCI wants stricter monitoring of content creation and guest access.
“The reel culture has led to several violations this season. Some Indian players have been posting videos on match days, even shortly before and immediately after games,” the source added.
The BCCI is also set to enforce tougher rules regarding unauthorised visitors at team hotels. Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) officials have already conducted multiple awareness sessions with players, team management, and franchise owners throughout the season.
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According to sources, some IPL players have continued to bring unapproved guests into team hotels despite repeated warnings. The board believes this sets a poor example for younger cricketers coming through domestic T20 leagues. Importantly, these stricter anti-corruption and social media guidelines are expected to extend beyond the IPL and apply to several state association-run T20 leagues across India in the near future.
