In a bold move to promote unity and discipline in the Indian cricket team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a comprehensive 10-point directive for its players. This comes in the wake of India’s disappointing performance in the 2023-24 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and their inability to reach the World Test Championship final. The new guidelines are designed to address the “star culture” within the team and ensure every player remains focused on team goals, maintaining both professionalism and camaraderie.
Background: India’s Recent Performance and the BCCI’s Response
India’s crushing 0-3 defeat at home against New Zealand followed by a 1-3 loss in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia raised several concerns. These performances were especially disheartening as they led to India’s exclusion from the World Test Championship final. To address these issues and prevent future setbacks, the BCCI has worked closely with head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. Their collective input has led to the creation of a clear set of rules aimed at restoring order, discipline, and team unity.
Key Highlights of the BCCI’s 10-Point Directive
The 10-point directive emphasizes several core principles, all designed to bring about a more disciplined and cohesive team culture. Below are the major points that players must adhere to:
1. Mandatory Participation in Domestic Cricket
To remain eligible for national selection and retain their central contracts, players must actively participate in domestic cricket. This is a significant move aimed at maintaining player fitness, honing skills, and keeping players grounded, irrespective of their stature in international cricket.
2. Strict Family Travel Guidelines
One of the major changes in the new directive is the restriction on family travel during tours. Players can no longer travel separately with their families. Any exceptions will require pre-approval from the head coach and the chairman of selectors. This rule aims to ensure players remain focused on their performance and team commitments while on tour.
3. Baggage Policy Enforced
To avoid any distractions or excess baggage issues, the BCCI has imposed strict baggage limits. These guidelines specify the number of suitcases and kit bags a player and support staff can bring on various types of tours, ensuring consistency and reducing logistical challenges.
- Long-duration tours (over 30 days): Players are allowed 5 pieces of baggage (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags), totaling 150 kgs.
- Short-duration tours (under 30 days): Players can bring 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags), totaling 120 kgs.
4. Limiting Personal Staff During Tours
To ensure players focus purely on their cricket, the BCCI has placed restrictions on personal staff. Managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel will no longer accompany players during tours, minimizing distractions and ensuring that logistical issues are kept to a minimum.
5. Commitment to Full Practice Sessions
The BCCI now requires all players to attend the entire duration of practice sessions, regardless of whether they are injured or advised to rest. The new rule is meant to foster a sense of team commitment, as players will be expected to stay and support their teammates, setting an example for younger players.
6. Ban on Personal Endorsements During Tours
Players will no longer be allowed to engage in personal photo shoots or endorsement deals during an ongoing tour. This ensures that their primary focus remains on the series at hand, preventing distractions that may affect their performance.
7. Family Visits During Extended Tours
For long overseas tours (over 45 days), players can have their immediate family members (wives, children under 18, and parents) visit them for a single 14-day period. However, this will only be allowed if the visit is scheduled and approved by the coach, captain, and GM Operations, with the BCCI covering the cost of shared accommodation.
8. Mandatory Participation in BCCI Promotional Activities
Players must make themselves available for BCCI’s promotional activities, shoots, and other functions. This is crucial for promoting the game and fulfilling the board’s commitments to its stakeholders, ensuring that the game’s visibility and reach continue to grow.
9. No Early Departures from Tours
If a series ends earlier than expected, players are not permitted to leave the tour prematurely. This rule ensures that team bonding is not disrupted, and players maintain their focus until the conclusion of the entire tour, thereby promoting unity and discipline.
10. Transparency in Selection Process
To promote transparency, the BCCI has stated that any deviations from the guidelines, particularly with regard to domestic cricket participation, will require formal approval from the chairman of selectors. This ensures that there are no exceptions made without proper justification.
The Road Ahead for Indian Cricket
These 10 directives reflect a new era for Indian cricket, where discipline and unity take precedence over individual egos. While the implementation of these rules may initially face resistance, it is clear that the BCCI aims to create a more cohesive and professional environment in the dressing room. The goal is to ensure that all players, regardless of their stature or experience, work together toward the team’s collective success.
As the Indian team looks forward to upcoming series and major tournaments, these changes could have a significant impact on their performance. By ensuring every player is focused on the task at hand and minimizing distractions, the BCCI hopes to restore India’s dominance on the international cricket scene. With the right blend of discipline, unity, and skill, the Indian cricket team may very well find itself back at the top of the world rankings.
By taking such proactive steps, the BCCI not only ensures a better working environment but also addresses the challenges faced by the team in recent years. If the players adhere to these guidelines, it could pave the way for a more successful and unified Indian cricket team in the future.
