BCCI’s Bold 10-Point Policy: Team India’s new rules - No endorsements, no private travel and more

The apex Indian cricket governing body aka the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a bold decision to address concerns regarding the Indian team’s performance and discipline. Following a series of disappointing results, including a historic Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand and the loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia, the BCCI has rolled out a strict 10-point policy.

High-Level Review Meeting Brings Change

Following the Indian team’s recent struggles, reports sparked of dressing room differences and declining focus among players. The BCCI conducted a high-level review meeting, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, Captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The result was a policy overhaul designed to ensure accountability and professionalism within the squad.

Mandatory Domestic Cricket for National Selection

The BCCI’s new diktat is the mandate for players to participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for national selection and central contracts. Exceptions to this rule will only be granted under extraordinary circumstances with prior approval.

Strict Travel and Baggage Policies

Meanwhile, players are now required to travel together during matches and practice sessions. Individual travel arrangements with family members are strongly discouraged. Additionally, strict baggage limits have been imposed, with any excess costs to be borne by the players themselves.

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Restrictions on Personal Staff and Endorsements

Other key measures include restrictions on personal staff accompanying players on tours, obedience to full practice session schedules, and bans on personal shoots or endorsements during series.

Controlled Family Travel Policy

The BCCI has also introduced a controlled family travel policy, allowing family visits only during long overseas tours under specified conditions.

Obligation to Attend Official Events

Furthermore, players are obligated to attend official BCCI events and promotional activities. They are also required to stay with the team until the conclusion of a series, even if matches end earlier than scheduled.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with these guidelines could result in severe consequences, including suspension from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and deductions from central contract retainers and match fees.

Recap of 10-Point Guidelines

1. Travel Policy

• Players must travel with the team for all matches and practice sessions.
• Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain decorum within the team.
• Any player needing an exception for the above will require prior approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee and the Head Coach.

2. Baggage Policy

To streamline logistics, the BCCI has introduced specific baggage limits for players and support staff:

For Away Tours:

• Duration exceeding 30 days
• Players: Maximum limit of 150 kg or 3 Suitcases and 2 kit bags allowed (5 in quantity max)
• Support staff: Maximum limit of 80 kg or 2 suitcases (large size) and one small-size suitcase allowed (3 in quantity max)
• Duration less than 30 days
• Players: Maximum limit of 120 kg or 2 Suitcases and 2 Kit bags allowed (4 in quantity max)
• Support staff: Maximum limit of 60 kg or 2 Suitcases (2 in quantity max)
• For Home Series
• Players: Maximum limit of 120 kg or 2 Suitcases and 2 kit bags (4 in quantity max)
• Support staff: Maximum limit of 60 kg or 2 Suitcases (2 in quantity max)

Note: Any excess luggage costs to be borne by the concerned player.

3. Personal Staff Policy

• Personal staff like assistants, managers, chefs, and security personnel will not be allowed while on tour.
• Any exception will require BCCI’s approval to cut off logistical workload.

4. Equipment Transfers

• For any equipment transfer or for transferring any personal goods or items to the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bangalore, the player is expected to keep the team management in the loop.
• Any expenses on the additional arrangements regarding above-mentioned things will be borne by the individual player.

5. Family Travel Policy

The Indian board has chalked out an outline for travel policies related to the family of the Indian players.

Eligibility criteria:

• Players, while playing away from home for more than 45 days duration, can keep their spouses or partners and children under 18 years of age (if any) for only one visit per series.
• A maximum of two weeks for the families to stay with the players.

Provisions for Family Visits:

• The Indian board will take care of the cost of accommodation of the player during these visits.
• Any extra expenses will attract the player’s liability to deal with them.

Co-ordination for Visits:

• Any visit must be scheduled in advance on a single-time basis.
• The dates of the visit should have the approval of the Captain, the concerned Head Coach, and the General Manager (GM) Operations.
• Any exceptions regarding visitors’ travel will need pre-approvals. Should a family stay exceed the allowed period, any excess cost for the same will be the player’s responsibility.

6. Post-Match Stays of the Team

• Players are expected to remain with the team until the conclusion of a series/tour or a match.
• Even if a match finishes early, players should remain with the team with no exceptions to maintain unity and bonding in the team.