The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced new policies to enhance discipline and performance within the Indian cricket team following a high-level review meeting in Mumbai on Saturday. Attendees included Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, Captain Rohit Sharma, and other key officials.
Prompted by recent underwhelming performances, the meeting aimed to address issues affecting players’ focus and the team’s overall cohesion. Among the key decisions was a rollback of certain rules relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a return to stricter protocols to instill greater professionalism.
Family Stay Restrictions
One major change is the restriction on players’ families staying during tournaments. For tours lasting over 45 days, families can stay for up to 14 days, while shorter tours allow a maximum of 7 days. This decision stems from concerns that prolonged family stays can distract players and hinder their focus on matches.
Travel and Team Unity
To foster team unity, all players are now required to travel together on the team bus, regardless of age or seniority. Separate travel arrangements will no longer be permitted, ensuring a cohesive environment both on and off the field.
Policies for Coaching Staff
The BCCI also introduced stricter policies for coaching staff. Personal managers, such as Gautam Gambhir’s, will no longer be allowed to stay in team hotels or use team transport. This aligns with existing rules prohibiting private managers from accessing team privileges.
Additionally, the tenure of support staff will now be capped at two years, extendable by one year based on performance. This measure aims to maintain accountability and inject fresh energy into the team setup.
Financial Discipline
In an effort to enforce financial discipline, players carrying over 150 kilograms of luggage during air travel will bear the additional costs themselves. The BCCI has stated this policy aligns with general guidelines and ensures players adhere to limits.
Focus on Performance and Discipline
A BCCI official explained that these measures are aimed at creating a sharper, more focused Indian cricket team. “The pandemic necessitated some flexibility, but the time has come to prioritize discipline. These changes are designed to ensure that players are mentally and physically ready to deliver their best,” the official stated.
With these new rules, the BCCI hopes to address distractions and inconsistencies that have plagued recent performances, laying the foundation for a more competitive and disciplined Indian cricket team.
