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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a comprehensive new policy governing the conduct and behavior of Indian cricket players during tours and domestic competitions. This policy, detailed in a document circulated to media personnel, aims to enhance discipline, unity, and professionalism within Team India. The core tenets of the policy focus on mandatory participation in domestic fixtures, strict regulations around travel arrangements, limitations on personal staff accompanying players on tours, and a clear outline of disciplinary actions for non-compliance. The impetus for this policy stems from instances of individual players traveling separately from the team, often with family members, and employing extensive personal staffs during overseas tours. These incidents, including a publicized altercation involving Virat Kohli at an Australian airport, have prompted the BCCI to intervene and establish stricter guidelines.
A key element of the new policy mandates the participation of all eligible players in domestic fixtures. This is not merely a recommendation but a requirement for selection in the national team and for eligibility for central contracts. The BCCI believes this ensures players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. By participating in domestic matches, top-tier players provide inspiration and experience to emerging cricketers, further strengthening the pipeline of talent within India. The policy explicitly outlines that exceptions to this mandatory participation rule will only be granted under exceptional circumstances and require formal approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, thereby establishing a transparent process for granting such exemptions.
The policy addresses concerns related to player travel arrangements, specifically discouraging individual travel arrangements with families. Players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. This measure aims to maintain team cohesion and discipline. Exceptions to this rule will only be granted with prior approval from the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee. The rationale behind this policy is clear; maintaining team unity and a shared experience is crucial for team performance and morale. The policy emphasizes the importance of coordinated team travel to prevent logistical challenges and potential disruptions. This represents a significant shift from past practices, where some players opted for independent travel arrangements with their families during international tours.
Another area of focus for the revised policy is the significant restriction on personal staff accompanying players on tours. In the past, some players brought extensive personal staffs including hairdressers, makeup artists, cooks, and nannies, leading to logistical complications and potential distractions from the primary focus on cricket. The new guidelines significantly restrict the number of personal staff allowed, requiring explicit approval from the BCCI for any exceptions. The BCCI argues that limiting personal staff streamlines team operations, minimizes logistical hurdles, and ensures that the focus remains on the team’s collective performance and the overall objectives of the tour. This move is designed to foster a more unified and focused team environment.
The policy also addresses the issue of players returning home early from international tours if matches conclude ahead of schedule. The BCCI mandates that players remain with the team until the official end of the tour or series. This ensures team unity, fosters bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics. This addresses instances where players left Australia prematurely after a Test match ended early, thus disrupting team cohesion and potentially negatively affecting team morale. This measure emphasizes the value of maintaining team unity even after matches conclude early.
Beyond these core components, the policy also includes provisions related to baggage limits, coordinating the shipment of equipment to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, prohibiting personal shoots or endorsements during tours, and outlining a family travel policy that allows players away for over 45 days to have their partners and children join them for a limited period under specified conditions. The BCCI makes it clear that non-compliance with any aspect of the new policy may result in disciplinary action, which could range from sanctions preventing participation in BCCI-conducted tournaments (including the Indian Premier League) to deductions from retainer amounts or match fees. The BCCI’s clear intention is to enforce accountability and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline within Team India.
In essence, the BCCI's new policy represents a significant overhaul of its approach to player management and team dynamics. The policy’s comprehensive nature reflects the BCCI's commitment to fostering a unified, disciplined, and highly professional environment for the Indian cricket team. The emphasis on domestic participation, coordinated travel, and restrictions on personal staff reflects the organization’s prioritization of team unity and operational efficiency. The clear outlines of disciplinary action for non-compliance underscores the seriousness with which the BCCI views these new guidelines. While the new policy aims to improve team performance and promote professionalism, it will be interesting to observe the players’ adaptation to these stringent regulations and their overall impact on the team’s dynamics and success in future tours and competitions.
Source: BCCI makes participation in domestic fixtures mandatory among new guidelines