Following India’s disappointing performance in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia and the preceding home Test series against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented strict disciplinary guidelines to boost team unity and discipline. In a review meeting involving coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma, several new rules were introduced to improve the team’s performance and welfare.
Stricter Rules for Players
The BCCI has emphasized that any player or staff member failing to comply with the new guidelines will face strict action. This could lead to increased challenges for star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The board has also made playing domestic cricket a priority, mandating that players outside the national team participate in domestic matches to be considered for national selection.
Learn more about the BCCI’s official announcements here.
Restrictions on Family During Overseas Tours
Players can no longer bring their families on extended overseas tours. For tours lasting 45 days, spouses and children under 18 may accompany the player for two weeks per series, with the BCCI covering accommodation costs only. Players must inform the coach and captain beforehand, and family members can only join with permission from both. Violations will lead to strict penalties.
No Family Travel During Matches and Practice Sessions
To foster unity, players must now travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. If a family member needs to travel, prior permission must be obtained from coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar. Any violation will result in penalties.
Restrictions on Personal Staff
Team members are prohibited from bringing personal staff, such as personal managers, chefs, assistants, or security personnel. There was recent controversy involving Gautam Gambhir’s personal assistant, and players like Hardik Pandya have previously been in the news for bringing personal chefs.
New Baggage Policy
The BCCI has introduced a baggage policy where players will not be reimbursed for excess baggage:
- For Tours Exceeding 30 Days:
- Players: 5 pieces (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or 150 kilograms
- Support Staff: 2 pieces (2 large + 1 small suitcase) or 80 kilograms
- For Tours Under 30 Days:
- Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or 120 kilograms
- Support Staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) or 60 kilograms
Mandatory Domestic Cricket Participation
Prominent players like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Rohit Sharma often skip domestic cricket. To address this, the BCCI has made domestic cricket participation mandatory for selection in the national team. Explore more about India’s domestic cricket schedule.
Equipment Management
Players must coordinate with team management for equipment and personal belongings sent to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Any additional costs for separate shipments will be borne by the player.
Mandatory Attendance at Practice Sessions
Players can no longer miss practice sessions without valid reasons. Leaving early or missing sessions will only be allowed under workload management protocols.
Ban on Ad Shoots During Series
The BCCI has banned personal photoshoots and ad endorsements during series or tours to prevent distractions. Only official BCCI shoots and functions will be allowed.
No Early Returns After Series
Players must remain with the team until the end of the tour. Even if a series ends early, no player will be allowed to return home before the tour concludes.
Disciplinary Actions for Non-Compliance
The BCCI reserves the right to take strict disciplinary actions, including bans from all BCCI-organized tournaments (including the IPL), deductions from central contracts, IPL retainers, or match fees.
With these new disciplinary guidelines, the BCCI aims to foster unity and improve the Indian team’s performance in upcoming series and tournaments.
