The BCCI has sent a ten-point document to contracted Indian male players in a bid to “promote discipline, unity and a positive team environment”. It is an unprecedented response to a series of poor test results and comes with a warning that “non-compliance” could lead to not only disciplinary action but harsher sanctions, including exclusion from domestic cricket and the IPL. , as well as deductions from the central contract. retainers. The policy will take effect immediately.
The document, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, is titled ‘Policy Document for Team India’. It was sent to players on Thursday.
These are some of the key points.
Players cannot travel separately to tours/matches/training.
One of the most important points discussed in that meeting was the players’ failure to comply with protocols, which ended up harming the general atmosphere in the locker room. Instances were cited of players traveling alone to the series, some players traveling separately to the venue rather than on the team bus, and some players not spending enough time with the group at team training sessions.
Going forward, the BCCI has said, a player will need a “pre-approved” nod from the head coach or chief selector to travel separately to and from matches and training sessions. “Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion,” the document says. Additionally, the BCCI has said that players “must remain for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule ensures commitment and encourages a strong work ethic within the team.”
From now on, a player cannot cancel a tour or series, even if the matches end earlier than planned. “This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and prevents disruption of team dynamics.”
Families can be present for up to two weeks on long tours.
Another key point was whether the presence of players’ families, which became more common after the Covid-19 pandemic, on long tours like the recent one in Australia, distracted and affected the players’ concentration. Accordingly, the BCCI has said that on tours of 45 days or more, players’ immediate family members (partners and children (up to 18 years)) can be with them for not more than 14 days. Families can visit only once and travel arrangements have to be made by the player concerned after a nod from the BCCI coach, captain and chief operating officer.
“The BCCI will cover the shared accommodation with the player during the visiting period. All other expenses will be borne by the player,” the document said. The BCCI also said that additional costs outside the pre-approved period for the family would be borne by the player.
Do not travel with personal personnel.
The BCCI has also said that team members must “restrict” personal staff on tours. This could include, but is not limited to, personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security. “This ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges. This needs to end.”
The BCCI has also advised team members not to “engage” in personal business sessions while on tour or during a series to ensure that “focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities.”
Domestic cricket ‘mandatory’ for national team
In the new guidelines, the BCCI has said: “Participation in domestic matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection into the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, encouraging talent development, maintaining match fitness and strengthening the overall national structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them with opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in the cricket. progression of talent”.
The BCCI said it would not contemplate any exception barring “extraordinary circumstances”, which would need approval from the head of the selection panel.
the sanctions
The BCCI has stressed that players must “strictly adhere” to the guidelines and if there is any “non-compliance”, “disciplinary measures” including sanctions will be applied.
“The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanctions against the player concerned for participating in all tournaments conducted by the BCCI, including the Indian Premier League, and deductions from the amount of advance payment/match fees as per the BCCI player’s contract.”
Implementing such measures, the BCCI said, “ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to established policies and prioritizing Indian cricket.”
Nagraj Gollapudi is news editor at ESPNcricinfo
