New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formulated new guidelines for players on travel, family, spouses, and luggage. The board also warned players that not following these guidelines could lead to disciplinary action.
The BCCI prepared the guidelines after considering suggestions made in a review meeting attended by Secretary Devajit Saikia, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, Head Coach Gautam Gambir, and Captain Rohit Sharma. The meeting was called to discuss the team’s poor run, starting from the ODI series loss against Sri Lanka, the 3-0 home series defeat against New Zealand and the 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Complete list of strict guidelines of BCCI for Indian cricketers
1. Participation in Domestic matches: Participation in Domestic tournaments is mandatory for Indian players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for BCCI central contracts, as per the guidelines. This new policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging Indian players by providing them opportunities to compete with top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression. Any exceptions to this mandate will be considered only under extraordinary circumstances and will require formal notification and approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.
2. Players traveling separately with families: As per the new guidelines, all the players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain team cohesion and discipline. Exceptions will be made if preapproved by the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee.
3. Excess Baggage Limit: Players are required to follow the specified baggage limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage costs will need to be covered by the individual player. This policy will help BCCI to 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 up to 150 kgs.
Support staff – 2 pieces (2 big + 1 small suitcases) OR up to 80 kgs.
Away short-duration tours (less than 30 days):
Players – 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 120 kgs.
Support staff – 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR up to 60 kgs.
Home series:
Players – 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 120 kgs.
Support staff – 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR up to 60 kgs.
4. Restriction on Individual Staff on Tour/Series: Personal staff of players (e.g. chefs, managers, assistants and security) will be restricted on tours or series unless approved by the BCCI. This policy ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges for the board.
5. Sending Bags Separately to the Centre of Excellence: Players must contact team management for equipment and personal items being sent to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs caused due to separate arrangements will be the player’s responsibility.
6. Leaving Practice Sessions Early: All the players are required to stay with the team for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the stadium. This rule fosters a strong work ethic within the team and ensures commitment.
7. Personal Shoots: During the ongoing tour or series, players will not be permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements. This policy will help players avoid distractions and ensure that the focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities.
8. Family Travel Policy: The family travel policy ensures a balance between players’ personal well-being and team commitments:
Eligibility: Players on away tours for more than 45 days can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) of up to two weeks.
- Provisions: The BCCI will cover the shared accommodation with the player for the visitors’ Period. All other expenses are to be covered by the player himself.
- Coordination: Family visits must be scheduled at a single time on the dates agreed by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations.
- Exceptions: Any kind of deviations from this policy must be pre-approved by the Coach, Captain and GM Operations. Additional expenses outside the visitors’ period will be covered by the players.
9. Participation in BCCI’s official shoots and functions: All the players are required to be available for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. These engagements are essential for maintaining the boards commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game effectively.
10. Players returning home if matches end early: All the players will stay with the team until the scheduled end of the series or tour, regardless of whether the matches end earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.
Implementation and Compliance: All the players are expected to strictly follow the above guidelines. Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chief selector and Head Coach. Non-compliance of the guidelines may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI. Additionally, the board also reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include (i) sanctioning the concerned player from participating in all BCCI-conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League (IPL); and (ii) deduction from the retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract. This measure ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to established policies and prioritising Indian cricket. This policy aims to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline within Team India. By fostering unity and ensuring operational efficiency, we can create an environment where players thrive and perform to their fullest potential.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced strict guidelines for players prohibiting them from travelling with a personal staff and enforcing mandatory domestic cricket participation for selection in the national team. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
