IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya was speaking when his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, blew him a flying kiss—could this be the reason behind the BCCI's strict stance?

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya continues to be seen openly showering affection on his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, during the 2026 IPL season. Mahieka is frequently spotted at the stadium, attending every match to support MI.

A video of hers is currently going viral on social media; in it, she is seen sitting in the stands and blowing a flying kiss to Hardik following MI’s defeat in the match against CSK. In the wake of this video, fans are commenting that this is precisely why the BCCI is preparing to formulate stricter regulations regarding the “girlfriend culture” within the league.

Mahieka Blows a Flying Kiss to Hardik Pandya

The viral video in question dates back to May 2nd, during the MI vs. CSK match (CSK vs. MI Highlights)—a game in which the CSK team defeated MI by 8 wickets on their home ground. Following this defeat, as Hardik Pandya walked beneath the stands and looked up to converse with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma—seated in the stands—suddenly blew him a flying kiss. A video capturing this moment subsequently went viral.

Stricter Rules Regarding Girlfriends

It is a common sight in the IPL for cricketers’ girlfriends to attend matches to offer their support; however, the BCCI is now preparing to take a stricter stance in an effort to safeguard Indian cricket from becoming entangled in this “girlfriend culture.” It is not just star all-rounder Hardik Pandya; the presence of girlfriends alongside several other players—including fast bowler Arshdeep Singh and Ishan Kishan—is currently garnering significant media attention.

Meanwhile, a BCCI official stated, “We are currently discussing this matter internally. It will be addressed during the BCCI’s next meeting. There is absolutely no issue with wives and family members staying at the team hotel with the players; however, we may need to adopt a more serious approach when it comes to girlfriends.”

The BCCI official further added, “In the past, girlfriends were not permitted to stay at the players’ team hotels during the IPL; however, this has now evolved into a widespread trend.” The official stated, “When I spoke to an officer from the IPL’s Anti-Corruption Unit regarding this matter, he informed me that we have been instructed to permit wives—as well as officially declared girlfriends—to stay with the players.”

It is now expected that the BCCI will introduce strict regulations regarding whether or not girlfriends are permitted to stay with cricketers, and these rules are set to come into effect from the next IPL season.