BCCI Implements Strict Policies for Team Conduct
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Synopsis
In response to the senior men's cricket team's poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, the BCCI has introduced a strict policy mandating compliance among senior players, focusing on discipline and team unity.
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory adherence to new BCCI policies for senior players.
- No personal endorsements during tours.
- Families allowed for limited duration on lengthy tours.
- All players must travel together with the team.
- Disciplinary actions for non-compliance may include suspensions and fee deductions.
Mumbai, Jan 16 (NationPress) Following the disappointing performance of the senior men's cricket team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instituted a stringent new policy for senior players that must be strictly followed.
In addition to prohibiting the presence of wives and girlfriends on long tours, the BCCI's updated regulations also forbid players from participating in personal endorsements or shoots during active series or tours. Players will now be discouraged from leaving practice sessions prematurely, and involvement in the BCCI's official shoots and events will be compulsory.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in disciplinary measures, including suspension from BCCI events and/or deductions from match fees or retainer fees, as stated in the policy document.
The BCCI's new regulations also limit personal staff and family presence on tours to promote discipline and solidarity within the team, allowing families to accompany players for only two weeks during tours lasting 45 days or more.
Moreover, the BCCI has mandated that players must participate in domestic matches to be eligible for selection in national teams or for central contracts.
"This policy ensures that players stay connected to domestic cricket, nurturing talent development, maintaining match fitness, and enhancing the overall domestic framework. It also motivates young players by offering them chances to compete alongside seasoned cricketers, thereby ensuring a seamless progression of talent," the BCCI policy document stated.
"Exceptions to this rule will only be granted under extraordinary conditions and must receive formal notification and approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process," it added.
When families accompany players on tours, players will travel together rather than with their families.
"All players are expected to travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and unity within the team. Any exceptions must receive prior approval from the Head Coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee," the document specified.
The BCCI has also placed restrictions on the amount of personal baggage players can carry and on the use of individual staff members during tours. "Personal staff, such as managers, chefs, assistants, and security, will be limited on tours unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This is to ensure that the focus remains on team operations and to minimize logistical challenges," the BCCI has decided.
The BCCI will also discourage players from leaving training sessions early and will not permit them to exit tours or series prematurely unless absolutely necessary.
"All players are required to remain for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule is designed to ensure commitment and cultivate a strong work ethic within the team," the document stated.
The partners and children of players (under 18) will be allowed one visit of up to two weeks per series if players are away from India for more than 45 days.
The BCCI will cover shared accommodation with the player during the Visitors’ Period, while all other expenses will be the player's responsibility.
The policy document also clarified that players are expected to stay with the team until the scheduled conclusion of the match series or tour, regardless of early match completions. This promotes unity, enhances team bonding, and prevents disruption to team dynamics.
"All players must adhere closely to these guidelines. Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and Head Coach. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the BCCI. Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to impose sanctions against a player, including (i) barring participation in all BCCI-conducted tournaments, including the Indian Premier League; and (ii) deductions from retainer amounts/match fees as stipulated in the BCCI Player contract," the document cautioned.
