BCCI India National Cricket Team. Pic Credits: X

IND vs ENG : BCCI Cracks Whip, Issues Strict Guidelines On Do’s And Don’ts For Team India Players Post BGT 2024-25 Debacle

Spread the love

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cracked the whip on national team players with a policy document on the do’s and don’ts while representing the country. Mandatory domestic cricket, restriction on the presence of families and personal staff on tours and a bar on individual endorsements during series were among a slew of measures that BCCI has introduced.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formulated a new policy on travel, spouses, luggage and individual staff for India players warning them that non-adherence could lead to disciplinary action.

BCCI Cracks Whip, Issues Strict Guidelines On Do’s And Don’ts For Team India Players post BGT 2024-25 debacle

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a set of 10 guidelines for centrally contracted players following a recent review meeting that analyzed India’s disappointing performance in Australia, Indian Express reported.

Among the key mandates, players must now participate in domestic tournaments to remain eligible for selection. Additionally, new restrictions have been introduced concerning family travel, personal staff, ad shoots, and early departures from tours.

The BCCI has emphasized strict adherence to these rules, warning that non-compliance could result in disciplinary action, including bans from board-conducted tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and deductions in annual contracts and match fees. Any exceptions must receive prior approval from the head coach and the chief selector.

This policy shift comes in response to concerns over team cohesion and discipline, particularly after India’s 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The review meeting, attended by BCCI officials, captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, examined various aspects beyond player performance, including team atmosphere and commitment levels.

A significant directive reinforces the importance of domestic cricket participation. This marks the second time in a year that the BCCI has mandated players to feature in domestic tournaments.

Despite previous advisories, senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja skipped the Duleep Trophy ahead of the Test season. However, following the latest review, players such as Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill have committed to playing Ranji Trophy matches, while the participation of other senior players remains uncertain.

The BCCI has also restricted personal staff like chefs, security personnel, and stylists from accompanying players on tours. Additionally, all players must now travel exclusively on team buses, even when family members are present.

The board has reinstated its pre-Covid family travel policy, allowing players’ families to join them for only 14 days on tours exceeding 45 days. Furthermore, practice sessions are now mandatory, ending the practice of optional training.

New commercial restrictions have also been imposed, prohibiting players from attending ad shoots and endorsement events during ongoing series. Additionally, players must stay with the team until the tour officially concludes, preventing early departures. However, the acceptance of these guidelines among players remains to be seen.

BCCI’s 10-point Policy For ‘Discipline And Unity’

Mandatory Domestic Participation

“Participation in Domestic Matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines.”

Travel Policy

“All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion.”

Baggage Limitations

“Players are required to adhere to the specified baggage limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage costs will need to be borne by the individual player.”

Restriction on Personal Staff

“Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI.”

Equipment Logistics

“Players must coordinate with team management regarding equipment and personal items being sent to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player’s responsibility.”

Practice Attendance

“All players are required to stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue.”

No Personal Shoots During Tours

“Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour.”

Family Travel

“Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) of up to a two-week period.”

Official Engagements

“Players are required to be available for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities, and functions.”

Match Completion Policy

“Players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, regardless of whether matches conclude earlier than planned.”

Compliance

“Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI. Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include (i) sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League; and (ii) deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract.”

 This measure ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to established policies and prioritizing Indian cricket. This policy aims to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline within Team India. By fostering unity and ensuring operational efficiency, Team can create an environment where players thrive and perform to their fullest potential.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: “Side Arm Specialists In India Need To Work Hard To Prepare Batters For Tough Times”- Abhishek Jain Gives His Invaluable Insights

 


Spread the love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *