In response to recent series losses against New Zealand and Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a comprehensive 10-point policy aimed at enhancing discipline, unity, and professionalism within the Indian cricket team.
Key components of the new guidelines include:
1. Mandatory Participation in Domestic Cricket: Players must participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for national selection and central contracts. This ensures they stay connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development and maintaining match fitness.
2. Unified Travel Arrangements: All players are expected to travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements, especially with families, are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions require pre-approval from the Head Coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
3. Family Presence on Tours: For overseas tours exceeding 45 days, players’ immediate families (partners and children under 18) are allowed to join for a single visit lasting up to two weeks. The BCCI will cover shared accommodation during this period; all other expenses are the player’s responsibility.
4. Restrictions on Personal Staff: Players are to limit personal staff, such as managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel, during tours unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This measure ensures the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges.
5. Excess Baggage Regulations: Players must adhere to specified baggage limits. Any excess baggage costs will be borne by the individual player. This policy helps streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses.
6. Attendance at Practice Sessions: Players are required to attend scheduled practice sessions in full and travel together to and from the venue. This rule promotes commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.
7. Prohibition on Personal Commercial Activities: Engaging in personal commercial endorsements or shoots during an ongoing series or tour is prohibited. This restriction aims to eliminate distractions and ensure players remain focused on their cricketing responsibilities.
Players must stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, even if matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.
The BCCI has emphasized that non-compliance with these guidelines may lead to disciplinary actions, including sanctions from participating in all BCCI-conducted tournaments, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), and deductions from retainer amounts or match fees under the BCCI player contract.
These measures reflect the BCCI’s commitment to addressing concerns over players’ focus and professionalism, aiming to foster a more disciplined and united team environment.
