The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed strict rules in its 10-point disciplinary guidelines for the Indian men’s national team players concerning family travel, baggage limits, and personal advertisement shoots.
BCCI has significantly reduced the allowances and luxuries previously to senior team players over the years. This was implemented following India’s disappointing loss in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia and has also failed to qualify for the WTC finals for the first time.
The 1-3 defeat against Australia has been marred by reports of the dressing room and a lack of discipline. During a review meeting conducted by the BCCI after the series in January, India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma were fried in the meeting for the consecutive failures in the test format.
According to sources, Gambhir voiced his frustration with the lack of cooperative atmosphere and discipline within the dressing room.
According to sources, Gambhir has prompted the BCCI to reintroduce restrictions on family travel, a policy which has been relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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,” the document read.
1. Participation in Domestic Matches
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 stay connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure.
Additionally, it 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. Travelling 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 pre-approved by the Head Coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
3. 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 up to 150 kg.
Support staff: 3 pieces (2 big + 1 small suitcase) OR up to 80 kg.
Away short-duration tours (less than 30 days):
Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 120 kg.
Support staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR up to 60 kg.
Home series:
Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 120 kg.
Support staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR up to 60 kg.
4. Restriction on Personal Staff
Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This measure ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimises logistical challenges.
5. Sending Bags to the Centre of Excellence
Players must coordinate with team management regarding the dispatch of equipment and personal items to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player’s responsibility.
6. Attendance at Practice Sessions
All players are required to attend scheduled practice sessions in full and travel together to and from the venue. This rule promotes commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.
7. Restrictions on Personal Shoots During Series/Tours
Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This policy avoids distractions and ensures players remain focused on cricket and team responsibilities.
8. Family Travel Policy
The family travel policy is designed to balance players’ personal well-being with team commitments:
Eligibility: Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours may be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) lasting up to two weeks.
Provisions: The BCCI will cover shared accommodation for the player and their family during the designated visitors’ period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player.
Coordination: Family visits must be scheduled as a single visit 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 designated visitors’ period will not be covered by the BCCI.
9. Participation in Official BCCI Engagements
Players are required to be available for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. These engagements are crucial for fulfilling commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game effectively.
10. Completion of Tours
Players must stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, even if matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.
What if Players fail to comply with the Rules?
“All players are expected to adhere strictly to the above guidelines. Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and head coach. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI.
“Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include (i) sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League; and (ii) deduction from 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.”
