The BCCI, under its new BCCI Disciplinary Guidelines, has presented an elaborate 10-point framework intended to bring better professionalism, and greater cohesion among team members, and establish new operational efficiencies. These are quite broad ranging from the issue of player behavior to travel policies to maintain discipline while on tours and tournaments.
10 BCCI Disciplinary Guidelines
Mandatory Participation in Domestic Cricket
In order to ensure that the domestic cricket ecosystem stays connected with players, participation in domestic matches is made compulsory for selection to the national team. This policy not only sharpens players’ match fitness but also inspires emerging cricketers by providing them with opportunities to compete with the best. Exception would be considered only in the most extraordinary of circumstances and on approval by the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
No Separate Travel with Families
Players are required to travel with the team for all matches and practice sessions. Traveling separately with families is strictly not allowed to maintain team discipline. Special cases are allowed, but only after approval from the Head Coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
Baggage Limits Strictly Enforced
Logistical efficiency is the key to smooth operations during tours. Players must adhere to defined baggage limits:
- Long tours: more than 30 days. Players 5 pieces (max 150 kg). Staff 3 pieces (max 80 kg).
- Short tours: less than 30 days. Players 4 pieces (max 120 kg). Staff 2 pieces (max 60 kg).
- Any excess baggage would be paid for by the players.
Ban on Personal Staff During Tours
The number of players allowed to travel with personal staff, such as personal chefs, managers, or stylists, stands at zero as per the BCCI Disciplinary Guidelines. This is in an effort to reduce logistical issues and keep players absorbed in their duties with the team.
Equipment to be Sent to the Centre of Excellence
Players should organize with the management of the team for the moving of the kit to the Bengaluru-based Centre of Excellence. Any extra cost incurred from other arrangements would be borne by the player, thereby moving with a smooth procedure.
Attendance at Practice Sessions is Compulsory
Attendance at practice sessions is no longer negotiable. Players are also required to accompany the team on tours to and from venues. This helps them bond and build a strong working culture. In this way, players will always be focused on preparation and team success.
No Personal Shoots or Endorsements During Tours
To avoid distractions, personal shoots, advertisements, or endorsements are not allowed during tours. The idea is to keep the player’s focus strictly on cricket and team duties while playing in a series or tournament.
Family Travel Policy with Restrictions
The rules for discipline are supplemented by considerations for the players’ personal welfare. Family visits during overseas tours are permitted but with restrictions:
- Partners and children under 18 can join for one visit per series lasting up to two weeks, provided the tour exceeds 45 days.
- Shared accommodation during this period will be covered by the BCCI, but other expenses must be borne by the player.
- Family visits must be pre-approved by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations, ensuring no disruption to team activities.
Participation in Official BCCI Engagements
Players are required to be available for official BCCI engagements, which include promotional events, shoots, and functions. This is because the activities will contribute to fulfilling obligations to stakeholders and promoting Indian cricket worldwide.
Tours Should Be Completed
Players should stay with the team until the scheduled end of the tour. If the match concludes earlier than expected, it’s not necessary that they go home. The discipline is intended to help bond players together and keep everyone in a unified squad for the entire tour duration.
Why the BCCI Disciplinary Guidelines Matter
The BCCI Disciplinary Guidelines reflect the board’s commitment to creating a disciplined, unified, and professional environment for Indian cricket. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy disappointment calls for these policies as corrective measures toward rectifying operational inefficiencies and team dynamics.
Mandatory participation in domestic cricket, team travel, and practice sessions shows that the board focuses on accountability and professionalism. The personal staff and family travel restrictions keep the players dedicated to their duties during tours.
These measures not only strengthen the team structure but also inspire emerging cricketers and enhance the overall quality of Indian cricket.
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