Pandya's Partner Joins Team India Amidst Strict BCCI Ban

Hardik Pandya's girlfriend Mahieka Sharma joins him during the T20 World Cup 2026, despite a strict BCCI ban on partners. Read details on the alleged rule defiance and a new symbolic tattoo.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a directive to Team India members, explicitly stating that wives and partners are not permitted to travel with or stay in the team hotel during the T20 World Cup 2026. This rule, however, appears not to apply to all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been accompanied by his girlfriend, model Mahieka Sharma.

Sharma has been seen traveling with Pandya on the chartered flight arranged by the BCCI, utilizing the team bus, and staying at the team hotel. This situation contrasts with other players like Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose partners have not been seen with the team. A BCCI source confirmed the board's stance, emphasizing that families would not be accommodated with the players.

Pandya recently celebrated his relationship with Sharma by getting a symbolic tattoo. Created by celebrity tattoo artist Sunny Bhanushali, the artwork features two leopards on his nape, representing their bond as partners who amplify each other's strengths. The tattoo was developed through an emotional creative process between the couple and the artists.

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