‘Shouldn’t focus on reels’: IPL chairman points to Virat Kohli, warns against distractions

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has urged cricketers to focus more on on-field performance than social media activity during tournaments, saying players should avoid distractions during the Indian Premier League (IPL) by filming reels and behind-the-scenes videos.The IPL chairman said that while social media is now a major part of modern sports, players must ensure that it does not affect their concentration during tournaments like the IPL.In an interview with news agency IANS, Dhumal cited Virat Kohli as an example of a player who continues to focus on cricket despite having a huge online following.“Cricketers should focus on reality rather than reels. Take Virat Kohli for example – despite having a massive following on social media, he remains completely focused on cricket when he is on the field. He has achieved results through his performances, not reels. I feel players should avoid creating reels while the tournament is on,” IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told IANS.Dhumal’s comments come at a time when players’ social media activity during IPL 2026 has come under the spotlight.Arshdeep Singh was recently embroiled in a controversy after reports claimed that the BCCI had warned him about behind-the-scenes vlog content involving other players.One of Arshdeep’s travel vlogs reportedly showed Yuzvendra Chahal vaping during the team’s flight to Hyderabad. Clips from the video circulated widely on social media before the original recording was allegedly edited.In another case, a Snapchat video featuring Tilak Varma drew criticism online. In the clip, Arshdeep jokingly referred to Tilak as “andhere” and suggested that he apply sunscreen. Several users criticized the note, saying it carried racist undertones.The incidents once again focused on player behavior and online behavior during the IPL season.Earlier this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly sent new operational and safety guidelines to all 10 IPL franchises. The advice included guidance on social media behaviour, anti-corruption protocols, smoking and vaping restrictions and player behavior during the tournament.