Amidst several changes reportedly being made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the notable presenter and commentator, Harsha Bhogle, shared his thoughts regarding one major rule the Indian cricket board should enforce. Harsha Bhogle, the famous sports presenter, has reacted to new developments in Indian cricket. He also suggested a rule that should be implemented by the apex body of Indian cricket.
A day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued strict rules for Indian cricketers, renowned sports presenter, Harsha Bhogle, reacting to new developments in Indian cricket, said out of all the laws, he would strictly ensure that team members don’t have PR agencies.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued strict rules for Indian cricketers post BGT 2024-25 debacle
The Indian cricket team has been far from their very best, prompting the BCCI to possibly make some big changes to help bring back their best form. The wholesale changes come after India’s disappointing run in the longest format, where India suffered a whitewash on home soil against New Zealand followed by a crushing series defeat against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which has resulted in the Indian team’s exit in the race to the World Test Championship Final for the 2023-25 cycle.
In the aftermath of India’s loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last week, reports have been rampant on social media, claiming that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to implement stricter protocols during tours. ESPNCricinfo reported that the BCCI will limit the players spending time with their families on tours, adding that the family members can’t can only be with them for not more than 14 days during a tour comprising of 45 days.
According to Sports Now, the BCCI has discussed several significant changes during their recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), aimed at addressing the underperformance and regaining the team’s competitive edge.
The PR agencies have often been accused of spreading fake news about players and taking help from celebrities to make a certain cricketer famous. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are managed by famous PR agencies that go to any extent to defend their client.
One of the key decisions reportedly taken involves restricting the stay of players’ families during overseas tours. Wives and families will now be allowed a maximum of 14 days on tours lasting 45 days or more. This change comes after the presence of several cricketers’ spouses, including those of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, for the entirety of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy drew attention.
In another move, the BCCI has reportedly mandated that all players travel exclusively via the team bus while on tour. This comes in response to instances where senior players like Virat Kohli were seen traveling separately during recent series. This decision is aimed at fostering greater unity and team spirit among the squad, as per the report which cited sources.
India captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were informed regarding the same during the meet with BCCI officials in Mumbai last Saturday. Veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has shared his views on the same, and suggested that the BCCI should instead prohibit players from having personal PR agencies.
Harsha Bhogle Wants BCCI To Have One Rule For Indian Team Players: ‘Ban PR Agencies’ post BGT 2024-25 debacle
Harsha Bhogle took to social media to share his suggestions regarding some possible changes being made and reckons that the BCCI should ban the Indian team members from having PR agencies.
“Reading of the changes the BCCI is apparently suggesting for the Indian team. I don’t know how much to believe but if I had to nominate one rule to be strictly applied, it would be to ban team members from having PR agencies,” Bhogle wrote in a post on his official X handle.
The PR agencies have often been accused of spreading fake news about players and taking help from celebrities to make a certain cricketer famous. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are managed by famous PR agencies that go to any extent to defend their client.
When Rohit opted out of the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney, his PR agency took the help of Bollywood stars to praise the cricketer. Vidya Balan, who hardly tweets about cricket, came out in favour of Rohit. Several other big stars followed what was told to them by Sharma’s PR agency.
Harsha Bhogle has been targeted by the toxic fan groups who are hired by PR agencies in case a commentator says something negative or criticizes a cricketer for his failures.
Following the loss to Australia, senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli have come under major scrutiny after enduring poor outings with the bat during the series. While Rohit managed just 31 runs in three matches and five innings at an average of 6.20, Virat Kohli ended the series with 190 runs in five matches and nine innings at an average of 23.75 with a century. Even Gambhir’s future as head coach is not certain. The BCCI is likely to take a call on his situation after the Champions Trophy in February-March.
Several reports have indicated that all is not well within the Indian dressing room. The frequency of such leaks has been a big concern, something that was not all that prevalent before when the Indian team was having a rather dominant period across all formats. The leaks have suggested that there are rifts between certain players and members of the coaching staff, a sign that does not bode well for the future of the national team.
Following India’s disappointing run, the BCCI has mandated the Indian stars to take part in the upcoming Ranji Trophy games for their respective state teams. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will have a lot to ponder as they wait on the upcoming T20Is and ODIs against England on home soil to finalize India’s squad that will compete in the upcoming Champions Trophy campaign, ahead of their trip to the United Arab Emirates.