The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the highest cricketing authority in India, has made the audacious choice to address criticism of the discipline and performance of the Indian squad. The BCCI has implemented a stringent 10-point strategy in response to a string of unsatisfactory outcomes, including a historic Test series thumping at home against New Zealand and the loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia.
High-Level Review Meeting Brings Change
Following the Indian team’s recent struggles, reports sparked of dressing room differences and declining focus among players. The BCCI conducted a high-level review meeting, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, Captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The result was a policy overhaul designed to ensure accountability and professionalism within the squad.
Mandatory Domestic Cricket for National Selection
Players must play domestic cricket in order to be eligible for national selection and central contracts, according to the BCCI’s new directive. This regulation won’t be broken unless there are exceptional circumstances and prior authorisation.
Strict Travel and Baggage Policies
It is now mandatory for players to travel together for practice and games. We highly advise against making individual travel plans with family members. In addition, there are stringent baggage restrictions in place, and players are responsible for paying any additional fees.
Restrictions on Personal Staff and Endorsements
Other important measures include prohibiting personal shots or endorsements during series, requiring players to adhere to complete practice session schedules, and limiting personal staff from travelling with players on trips.
Controlled Family Travel Policy
The BCCI has also introduced a controlled family travel policy, allowing family visits only during long overseas tours under specified conditions.
Obligation to Attend Official Events
Furthermore, players are obligated to attend official BCCI events and promotional activities. They are also required to stay with the team until the conclusion of a series, even if matches end earlier than scheduled.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with these guidelines could result in severe consequences, including suspension from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and deductions from central contract retainers and match fees.
Recap of 10-Point Guidelines
- Travel Policy
- Players must travel with the team for all matches and practice sessions.
- Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain decorum within the team.
- Any player needing an exception for the above will require prior approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee and the Head Coach.
- Baggage Policy
To streamline logistics, the BCCI has introduced specific baggage limits for players and support staff:
For Away Tours:
- Duration exceeding 30 days
- Players: Maximum limit of 150 kg or 3 Suitcases and 2 kit bags allowed (5 in quantity max)
- Support staff: Maximum limit of 80 kg or 2 suitcases (large size) and one small-size suitcase allowed (3 in quantity max)
- Duration less than 30 days
- Players: Maximum limit of 120 kg or 2 Suitcases and 2 Kit bags allowed (4 in quantity max)
- Support staff: Maximum limit of 60 kg or 2 Suitcases (2 in quantity max)
- For Home Series
- Players: Maximum limit of 120 kg or 2 Suitcases and 2 kit bags (4 in quantity max)
- Support staff: Maximum limit of 60 kg or 2 Suitcases (2 in quantity max)
Note: Any excess luggage costs to be borne by the concerned player.
- Personal Staff Policy
- Personal staff like assistants, managers, chefs, and security personnel will not be allowed while on tour.
- Any exception will require BCCI’s approval to cut off logistical workload.
- Equipment Transfers
- For any equipment transfer or for transferring any personal goods or items to the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bangalore, the player is expected to keep the team management in the loop.
- Any expenses on the additional arrangements regarding above-mentioned things will be borne by the individual player.
- Family Travel Policy
The Indian board has chalked out an outline for travel policies related to the family of the Indian players.
Eligibility criteria:
- Players, while playing away from home for more than 45 days duration, can keep their spouses or partners and children under 18 years of age (if any) for only one visit per series.
- A maximum of two weeks for the families to stay with the players.
Provisions for Family Visits:
- The Indian board will take care of the cost of accommodation of the player during these visits.
- Any extra expenses will attract the player’s liability to deal with them.
Co-ordination for Visits:
- Any visit must be scheduled in advance on a single-time basis.
- The dates of the visit should have the approval of the Captain, the concerned Head Coach, and the General Manager (GM) Operations.
- Any exceptions regarding visitors’ travel will need pre-approvals. Should a family stay exceed the allowed period, any excess cost for the same will be the player’s responsibility.
- Post-Match Stays of the Team
- Players are expected to remain with the team until the conclusion of a series/tour or a match.
- Even if a match finishes early, players should remain with the team with no exceptions to maintain unity and bonding in the team.
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