BCCI New Rules for Indian Cricket Team: BCCI Released a new set of rules and guidelines for the Indian players which include the policy on spouses, travel, luggage, and individual staff. The board also warns players of disciplinary action in case any player fails to adhere.
A document with 10 rules written in it has been circulated among the journalists and let’s look into it.
BCCI New Rules for Indian Cricket Team
The list starts with BCCI claiming that the changed rules are ‘to promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.’
1. Participation in Domestic Matches
BCCI mandates the strict participation of all players under contract in domestic competitions. the board introduces this with the aim of ‘fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure’. In case any player cannot participate in domestic competitions due to ‘extraordinary situations’, he will have to get preapproval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
The document says:
“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. This 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 players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside 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 Should Travel With the Team
BCCI ‘discourages’ traveling separately with the families and asks the players to travel with the team.
“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.”
3. Excess Baggage Limit
This rule talks about the excess baggage limits for the players.
“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.”
4. Restriction on Individual Staff on Tour/Series
Carrying personal staff during tours or series is strictly disallowed by BCCI unless it is pre-approved by the board.
“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.”
5. Sending Bags Separately to the Centre of Excellence
The charges of sending bags and personal items separately will be to the players.
“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.”
6. Leaving Practice Sessions Early
The boardobliges players to stay for the entire duration of the practice session.
“All players are required to stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.”
7. Personal Shoots During Series/Tour
BCCI bans ‘personal shoots or endorsements’ during a 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.
8. Family Travel Policy
The board updates their family travel policy claiming to ensure ‘a balance between players’ personal well-being and team commitments’.
BCCI says the following pointers:
“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.”
“The BCCI will cover shared accommodation with the player for the Visitors’ Period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player. Visits must be scheduled at a single time during dates agreed upon by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations. 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.”
9. Participation in BCCI’s Official Shoots and Functions:
BCCI compels layers to take part in the ‘official shoots, promotional activities, and functons.’
“Players are required to be available for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. These engagements are essential for maintaining the BCCI’s commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game effectively.
10. Players Returning Home if Matches End Early
Even if the matches end earlier than the scheduled time, players are not allowed to leave.
“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. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.”
BCCI’s set of rules came after India ended their 2024 season on a lackluster note. In the last two Test series, they got whitewashed by Kiwis at home and lost to Australia 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rohit Sharma and Co will meet England in a 5-T20I and 3-ODI series which will commence on 22 January.
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