The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made its intentions clear that it is not going to compromise anything on the grounds of indiscipline. BCCI has rolled out of 10 stringent disciplinary guidelines for the Indian men's senior national team players including restrictions on family travel, baggage allowances, and personal advertisement shoots.
BCCI stricter guidelines on Indian cricketers' family travel, personal staffs
An exclusive document accessed by Sports Tak reveals that the BCCI has curtailed the allowances and luxuries previously extended to senior team players. These measures have been introduced in response to India's disappointing performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against Australia. The Indian team suffered a 1-3 defeat which cost them the coveted World Test Championship (WTC) final spot. This series was further marred by reports of dressing room discord and a perceived lack of discipline within the team.
The BCCI's decision to implement these stricter guidelines reflects its commitment to enhancing discipline and professionalism within the Indian cricket team.
Following the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January, the BCCI conducted a review meeting to analyze the team's performance. During this meeting, sources indicate that head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed his deep concern over the lack of cohesiveness and discipline within the dressing room.
Gambhir's concerns prompted the BCCI to reintroduce restrictions on family travel, a policy that had been relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic. This decision aimed to foster a more focused and united team environment.
As per the new policy, players are ordered to travel with the team as no separate arrangements with families will be entertained. Not just this Indian players have been restricted from having any personal staffs, like personal managers, chefs, assistants and security during the tours.
Here are the new policies for Indian cricketers rolled out by BCCI:
Players Traveling Separately with Families
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. Exceptions, if any, must be preapproved by the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee.
Family Travel Policy
The family travel policy ensures a balance between players’ personal well-being and team commitments:
• Eligibility: 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 (formatwise) of up to a two-week period.
• Provisions: The BCCI will cover shared accommodation with the player for the Visitors’
Period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player.
• Coordination: Visits must be scheduled at a single time during dates agreed upon by
the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations.
• Exceptions: Any deviation from this policy must be pre-approved by the Coach,
Captain and GM Operations. Additional expenses outside the visitors’ period will not
be covered by the BCCI.
Restriction on Individual Staff on Tour/Series
Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants and security) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges. – this has to be done away with.
Personal Shoots During Series/Tour
Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This avoids distractions and ensures that the players’ focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities.
Excess Baggage Limit
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. This policy helps streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses
Baggage policy:
Away long duration tours (more than 30 days):
Players - 5 pieces (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 150 kgs.
Support staff - 2 pieces (2 big + 1 small suitcases) OR upto 80 kgs.
Away short duration tours (less than 30 days):
Players - 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 120 kgs.
Support staff - 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR upto 60 kgs.
Home series:
Players - 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 120 kgs.
Support staff - 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR upto 60 kgs.
Sending Bags Separately to the Centre of Excellence
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.
The BCCI will ensure full adherence to these guidelines by all players. Any exceptions to these rules will require prior approval from the designated authorities. The BCCI has made it clear that any non-compliance with these guidelines will have serious consequences, including potential bans from BCCI tournaments or financial penalties.