BCCI implements 10-point guideline to uphold 'professionalism and discipline,' warns of action for non-compliance

The Indian cricket team is set to witness big changes in the aftermath of a disastrous Border-Gavaskar series in Australia which they lost 3-1 against Australia. Cracking the whip against the players, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to implement massive changes to the player regulations including making participation in domestic tournaments “mandatory” for players to remain eligible for national selection and central contracts and players being encouraged to travel with team to and from matches and practice session.

The BCCI has prepared a 10-point policy document, accessed by Firstpost, with an objective to “establish guidelines that promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series”.

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Players’ personal staff restricted on tours/series

Besides policies over participation in domestic matches being made mandatory and discouraging travelling separately with the families, the document also provides guidelines on excess baggage limit, restriction on individual staff on tours, leaving practice sessions early, personal shoots during tour/series, and returning home early if matches end early.

As per the new excess baggage policy, a player can only take five pieces of luggage (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or up to 150 kg of baggage for a tour that is more than 30 days. For a tour shorter than 30 days, players can only carry four pieces of luggage (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or up to 120 kg of baggage.

The BCCI said that any excess baggage costs will have to be borne by the individual player.

The Indian cricket board has also said that the personal staff of a player including personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security will be restricted on tours or series unless approved by the BCCI.

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The Indian cricketers will be required to stay with the team for the “entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue”.

Travel policy for cricketers’ wives and girlfriends

The wives and children of a player will be allowed to stay with the cricketer for a period of 14 days on an overseas tour of more than 45 days. However, the BCCI will only cover shared accommodation charges and everything else has to be borne by the player.

The cricketers will also not be allowed to “engage in personal shoots or endorsements” during an ongoing series or tour.

The BCCI’s policy document also stated that all players have to “strictly” adhere to the changes to the regulations and non-compliance may lead to disciplinary actions.

Full policy document prepared by BCCI for Indian men’s cricket team:

Objective: To establish guidelines that promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.

1. Participation in Domestic Matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression. Any exceptions to this mandate will be considered only under extraordinary circumstances and will require formal notification and approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.

2. Players Traveling Separately with Families All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions, if any, must be preapproved by the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee.

3. Excess Baggage Limit Players are required to adhere to the specified baggage limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage costs will need to be borne by the individual player. This policy helps streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Baggage policy:

Away long duration tours (more than 30 days):

Players - 5 pieces (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 150 kgs.
Support staff - 2 pieces (2 big + 1 small suitcases) OR upto 80 kgs.

Away short duration tours (less than 30 days):

Players - 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 120 kgs.
Support staff - 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR upto 60 kgs.

Home series:

Players - 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 120 kgs.
Support staff - 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR upto 60 kgs.

4. Restriction on Individual Staff on Tour/Series Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants and security) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges. – this has to be done away with.

5. Sending Bags Separately to the Centre of Excellence Players must coordinate with team management regarding equipment and personal items being sent to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player’s responsibility.

6. Leaving Practice Sessions Early All players are required to stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.

7. Personal Shoots During Series/Tour Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This avoids distractions and ensures that the players’ focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities.

8. Family Travel Policy The family travel policy ensures a balance between players’ personal well-being and team commitments:

• Eligibility: Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (formatwise) of up to a two-week period.

• Provisions: The BCCI will cover shared accommodation with the player for the Visitors’ Period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player.

• Coordination: Visits must be scheduled at a single time during dates agreed upon by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations.

• Exceptions: Any deviation from this policy must be pre-approved by the Coach, Captain and GM Operations. Additional expenses outside the visitors’ period will not be covered by the BCCI.

9. Participation in BCCI’s Official Shoots and Functions Players are required to be available for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. These engagements are essential for maintaining the BCCI’s commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game effectively.

10. Players Returning Home if Matches End Early Players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, regardless of whether matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.

Implementation and Compliance: All players are expected to adhere strictly to the above guidelines. Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and Head Coach. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI. Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include (i) sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League; and (ii) deduction from retainer amount / match fees under BCCI Player contract. This measure ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to established policies and prioritising Indian cricket.

This policy aims to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline within Team India. By fostering unity and ensuring operational efficiency, we can create an environment where players thrive and perform to their fullest potential.