BCCI released a policy document for Team India to promote discipline and maintain a healthy dressing room environment. Let's analyse the BCCI guidelines and their impact.
The BCCI has structured a ten-point guideline document for their contracted men’s players to bring unity and discipline in a positive team environment. The extraordinary response is against India’s recent poor Test results, starting from a home whitewash against New Zealand. It was followed by a 3-1 series defeat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which put them out of contention for World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final qualification.
The document, titled ‘Policy Document For Team India’, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, was sent to the players on January 9. The decision was made in the review meeting attended by the head coach Gautam Gambhir, Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
A fracture in the policy could result in disciplinary action. The sanctions include exclusion from domestic cricket and the IPL alongside deduction for central contract retainers. Let’s take a look at all the major points from the document.
Players to avoid separate travel
The most significant discussion at the meeting was regarding a few players overlooking protocols to hurt the dressing room’s atmosphere. It has been stated that players are traveling on their own and separately to different venues rather than on the team bus. Some of the players are not spending enough time at the team’s training sessions.
In the future, a player will have to get permission from the head coach or head selector for distinct travel in matches and training. “Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion,” the document said, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Leaving practice sessions early
None of the players will be allowed to end practice sessions early. All of them will have to travel together to and from the venue. This will ensure commitment and a strong ethic within the team.
Maximum two weeks for families on long tours
The speculation is also around the families distracting the focus of the players on tour. The presence of the families became common during the COVID-19 pandemic to save them from mental fatigue. But the BCCI has decided to draw a line.
On tours of 45 days or more (like BGT 2024-25), players’ partners and children can no longer be with them for any more than two weeks. The families can visit only once, and travel arrangements have to be made by the player after a nod from the coach and BCCI’s general manager. The BCCI also claimed that additional costs outside the pre-approved period for the family would be carried by the player.
Read More: India's international players need to play domestic red-ball fixtures to boost Test preparedness
Excess baggage limit
All the players are required to carry specific baggage limits shared with the side. For trips of more than 30 days, a weight of 150 kgs (3 suitcases and 2 kit bags) are allowed for the players, while the support staff can carry only up to 80 kgs (2 big and 1 small suitcase). For tours less than 30 days and home series, the players and support staff are allowed 120 and 60 kgs, respectively.
No personal staff
The BCCI has restricted personal staff on tours to ensure fewer logistical challenges and full focus on team operations. This staff won’t be restricted to personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security.
No personal shoots in series or tour
The board has also suggested the players not get engaged in personal commercial shoots on tours. The entire focus should remain on the game and team responsibilities.
Participation in BCCI's functions and photo shoots
All the available players are required to be present for BCCI’s official shoots, promotions, and functions. These engagements are essential for maintaining the position of the stakeholders and promoting the game effectively.
Mandatory domestic cricket for national selection
The BCCI has made it mandatory for the national players to make themselves available for domestic cricket. A breach could cost them international assignments and central contracts. In the past, they laid down the rule after noticing a trend of some players prioritizing IPL over domestic games.
“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,” the fresh guidelines of the BCCI highlighted, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Sending bags to the Centre of Excellence
The players must coordinate with the management regarding the personal items and equipment sent to the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. Any additional costs for separate arrangements will be on the players.
Players returning home early
Players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the series or tours, regardless of them ending earlier than planned. This will be a sign of team bonding and unity among the players.
Read More: Home whitewash at the hands of NZ, first BGT loss in 10 years: Time up for Gautam Gambhir in Tests?
Progressive or regressive step?
The ten points have sparked a debate on how a few guidelines can impact the team’s performance. The bigger question is why the board felt the need to enforce these rules, especially since they were common practice in the past. This could stem from players being given too much leeway to act otherwise.
A few of the rules have been quite awkward, starting from the families’ stay. It varies in different associations. The families’ presence works for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, while there are instances of teams banning players from the dressing room. Brazil won the 2019 Copa America with no partner's visit. However, Australia’s swimmers criticized the ban on families during the 2012 Olympics to complain of demotivation.
Rather than the rules of the photo shoot, baggage limits, or personal staff, questions should have been asked on the tactics and decisions in the middle. A few of these ten-point guidelines are surely not the reasons behind India’s six defeats in the last eight Tests.
Discipline is always key to progress in any field. It’s a positive step for players to embrace discipline, and the board should enforce it at regular intervals. Initially, it might feel a bit uncomfortable for the players, but they will eventually adapt to the process. Without such measures, players may begin to see themselves as bigger than the game, which could harm the future of Indian cricket.
“I think we'll probably talk about it endlessly if we keep going on. I suppose every team has some rules in place. We've spoken about various things over the last few months where you can improve as a team, and where you can get a bit closer as a team. It's not a school. It's not a punishment,” the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, expressed during a press conference in Mumbai.
India's recent results have been far from satisfying. Their weakness against spin was exposed during the ODIs in Sri Lanka and later at home against New Zealand. Persistent issues with the batting lineup caused struggles in Australia, placing additional pressure on the bowling department.
The team is currently in a transition phase. With the Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner and a challenging Test tour of England lined up for June this year, the focus is on turning things around. They have taken steps in the right direction and will now be hoping for positive results to follow. Read More: What Sitanshu Kotak brings to the table as India's batting coach
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