In a recent crackdown, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed a new set of strict protocols for the players of the Indian cricket team. According to the new rules, playing domestic cricket has been made mandatory for the players of the Indian cricket team. BCCI also put restrictions on the presence of families and personal staff on tours and a bar on individual endorsements during series.
On January 16, a 10-point diktat revealed by BCCI to “promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.”
These new rules have been brought amid criticism that prominent Indian batters, especially Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, did not prioritise the Ranji Trophy, which ultimately caused the shocking batting performances in the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia. Making domestic cricket mandatory for Indian players may boost their consistency and performance in long matches like test cricket. According to BCCI’s new guidelines, participation in domestic matches will be a must “for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts.”
The board policy states, “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.”
All exceptions will have to be pre-approved by Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir; the BCCI mentioned in the 10-point diktat. Non-compliance would lead to strict disciplinary actions, including a possible ban from playing in the IPL.
It further states, “The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League; and deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract.”
The BCCI also banned separate travel arrangements with the families of the players. The board said that “all players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions.” The board has approved only a two-week team for families to stay with the players during overseas tours.
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Along with these new protocols, BCCI mandated that players make themselves available for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. During the tour, the players will not be allowed to engage in personal shoots or endorsements. These recent rules brought to “avoid distractions and ensure that the players’ focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities.”
Additionally, the BCCI prohibited players from travelling with personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel. It has to be “explicitly approved by the board for exceptional cases.”