BCCI Guidelines For Players: What is The New Disciplinary 10-Point Rules And Policy Issued For Team India?

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BCCI Guidelines for Players: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a new 10-point policy for Indian senior men's team players to promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.

The BCCI has made it mandatory for players to participate in domestic competition, while the Indian cricket body has also decided to prohibit players from travelling with personal staff such as cooks, hairdressers, stylists, or personal security guards during tours.

Additionally, players will no longer be allowed to use separate transport to commute for practice sessions or matches. Plus, there is also strict limitations on family members accompanying players on tours.

The new guidelines include travel, baggage limits, family visits, and team dynamics. Here is a look at the 10-point guidelines issued by BCCI to Team India players post the Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss:

BCCI's 10-point stringent policy for Team India players

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

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 stay connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure.

Additionally, it 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. 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 pre-approved by the Head Coach and the 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 up to 150 kg.
• Support staff: 3 pieces (2 big + 1 small suitcase) OR up to 80 kg.

Away short-duration tours (less than 30 days):

• Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 120 kg.
• Support staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR up to 60 kg.

Home series:

• Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 120 kg.
• Support staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR up to 60 kg.

4. Restriction on Personal Staff

Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This measure ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges.

5. Sending Bags to the Centre of Excellence

Players must coordinate with team management regarding the dispatch of equipment and personal items to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player's responsibility.

6. Attendance at Practice Sessions

All players are required to attend scheduled practice sessions in full and travel together to and from the venue. This rule promotes commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.

7. Restrictions on Personal Shoots During Series/Tours

Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This policy avoids distractions and ensures players remain focused on cricket and team responsibilities.

8. Family Travel Policy

The family travel policy is designed to balance players' personal well-being with team commitments:

Eligibility: Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours may be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) lasting up to two weeks.

Provisions: The BCCI will cover shared accommodation for the player and their family during the designated visitors' period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player.

Coordination: Family visits must be scheduled as a single visit 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 designated visitors' period will not be covered by the BCCI.

9. Participation in Official BCCI Engagements

Players are required to be available for BCCI's official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. These engagements are crucial for fulfilling commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game effectively.

10. Completion of Tours

Players must stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, even if matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.

The BCCI also stated: "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."