BCCI 10-point policy to promote “discipline and unity” within Indian cricket team

By Prakhar Sachdeo

Participation in domestic matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts.

Players would be expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Exceptions, if any, must be pre-approved by Gambhir and Agarkar.

Players would now be required to adhere to specified baggage limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage costs will need to be borne by the individual. The baggage weight limit for long tours has been placed at 150 kg.

Personal staff, including managers, chefs, assistants and security, are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. It started with Gautam Gambhir’s personal manager raising eyebrows with his presence in the team hotel. While Gambhir has accepted to keep his secretary away, he has ensured that chefs of certain younger star players would also not be readily allowed into the set-up.

Players have been told to co-ordinate with the team management on the equipment and personal items sent to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. “Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player’s responsibility.” Some senior players have been known to send their equipment or kits much before they arrive for rehab at the NCA and most of them have earned notoriety for not paying for the excess costs.

All players would be mandated to stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue to promote “commitment” and “foster a strong work ethic within the team.” The move would ensure that star players, who have become used to a separate car to leave the nets as per their wishes, will have to stay for the full duration.

Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This avoids distratctions and ensures commitment and foster a strong work ethic within the team.

Players away from India for over 45 days during an overseas tour can be joined by their partners and children (below 18) for one visit per series of upto two week period. The cricket board will cover the shared accomdation with the player for the visitors’ period. All other expenses have to be borne by the player.

Players are required to be present for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities and fuctions.

Players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the matches/series/tours.

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