The IPL 2026 playoff race is heating up, but the biggest headlines are no longer limited to what happens on the field. From BCCI crackdowns and scouting intrigue to Finn Allen's stunning comeback century, here are the top stories from around the league.
1. Finn Allen smashes match-winning century as KKR revive playoff hopes
Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a crushing win over Delhi Capitals, powered by Finn Allen's unbeaten 47-ball century.
After being left out of the side for multiple matches earlier in the season, Allen responded with a statement knock, guiding KKR to a dominant chase of 143 in just 14.2 overs.
The New Zealand opener admitted the break helped him mentally reset, saying the time away from the XI allowed
him to stop putting excessive pressure on himself.
KKR have now won four consecutive matches after enduring a difficult first half of the season.
2. KL Rahul becomes first player in IPL history to score 1,000 runs for three franchises
KL Rahul added another major milestone to his IPL career after becoming the first player in tournament history to score 1,000 runs for three different franchises.
The Delhi Capitals batter crossed the mark for DC during the clash against KKR, adding to his previous tallies with Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.
Rahul currently remains firmly in the Orange Cap race and has once again emerged as Delhi's most reliable batter in an inconsistent campaign.
3. BCCI reportedly stops Arshdeep Singh's IPL vlogs after Yuzvendra Chahal controversy
The BCCI has reportedly instructed Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh to stop filming behind-the-scenes vlogs during IPL 2026 following controversy surrounding a viral clip involving Yuzvendra Chahal.
A segment from one of Arshdeep's travel vlogs appeared to show Chahal mimicking vaping behaviour during a domestic flight, sparking widespread debate online before the clip was removed.
The reported intervention comes amid the BCCI's broader crackdown on player conduct, security risks and dressing-room discipline this season.
4. BCCI issues strict anti-honey-trap and conduct advisory to IPL teams
The BCCI has circulated a detailed seven-page advisory to IPL franchises warning teams about honey-trap risks, hotel room access violations and behavioural concerns during the tournament.
The document includes restrictions on visitors entering player hotel rooms, stricter movement logging, mandatory accreditation display and fresh warnings against vaping and prohibited substances.
Franchise owners have also reportedly been instructed not to interact with players during live match situations inside dugouts or restricted zones.
5. Gautam Gambhir spotted with selector RP Singh during DC vs KKR clash
India head coach Gautam Gambhir made a rare IPL appearance during the Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders fixture, where he was seen in lengthy discussions with selector RP Singh.
The sighting immediately sparked speculation around player scouting and future India selection conversations ahead of a packed international calendar.
Several young Indian performers in IPL 2026 are believed to be firmly in contention for upcoming tours and white-ball assignments.
6. Cameron Green says KKR dressing room never lost belief during rough run
Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Cameron Green has revealed that despite the team's inconsistent first half of IPL 2026, panic never entered the dressing room.
Green credited the franchise's strong internal culture and improving team balance for helping KKR recover from a difficult stretch and mount a late playoff push.
According to Green, the side finally found clarity around combinations and batting roles after weeks of experimentation.
