The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out a set of ten guidelines aimed at enhancing discipline, unity, and fostering a positive atmosphere within the Indian men’s cricket team. This action follows a period of disappointing Test match results, including a 3-0 loss against New Zealand on home turf and a 3-1 defeat in Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The guidelines, sent to the contracted players on Thursday, come with a stern warning: non-compliance could lead to disciplinary actions, exclusions from domestic cricket and the IPL, and even reductions in central contract payments.
The document, accessed by ESPNcricinfo which is titled “Policy Document For Team India” was sent to the players last week. The document has been prepared by BCCI after the review meeting concluded. The main reason for the meeting was India’s poor performance first against New Zealand and then Australia.
Here are some of the key points that players need to follow:
No Separate Travel For Players
One notable aspect of the policy is that there have been instances where the players have travelled separately to the venue rather than the team bus and also some of the players not spending enough time with group at training sessions of the team.
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Family Presence On Long Tours
With the recent increase in a player’s families accompanying them throughout long tours since COVID-19 times, the BCCI has officially clarified their protocols on this too. For an extended tour of over 45 days, players could take their wives and children (below 18) along with themselves for up to 14 days. The family can visit only once, and all travel arrangements must be made after approval from the coach, captain, and BCCI’s general manager of operations. While the BCCI will cover the accommodation costs for the family during the approved period, all additional expenses must be paid by the player.
Personal Staff Not Allowed
The restriction on carrying personal staff to accompany them during the tour is another important change. BCCI has explicitly clarified that no player should be traveling with a personal manager, chef, assistant, or security personnel. The rationale behind this step is that it would make the team strictly cricket-focused and logistically hassle-free.
In addition to the above, personal endorsement or photo shoot during any tour or matches are strictly discouraged so as to keep focused attention on cricket and their other obligations to their respective teams.
Mandatory Participation In Domestic Cricket
The BCCI has made it clear that participating in domestic cricket is now compulsory requirement for the players to be selected for national selection and retaining the central contracts. The rule is made to address players who are prioritizing IPL over domestic cricket. This also aims to ensure that they contribute to the growth of domestic cricket.
Strict Guidelines Ahead Of Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy squad for India was announced on January 18 and ahead of that these guidelines are made to ensure strict discipline within the team and all the players need to adhere to it. Any violations of these will include strict sanctions such as exclusion from BCCI organised tournaments.
