BCCI Rule Bars Personal Chef, Virat Kohli Finds Special Food In Dubai Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025: Report

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A significant shift has taken place in Indian cricket since the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Following an underwhelming series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a stringent 10-point directive aimed at regulating several aspects of the team's operations.

One notable change was the restriction preventing players from bringing their personal chefs, stylists, and staff on international tours.

However, after arriving in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy, Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli managed to find a creative workaround to still enjoy his preferred meals.

According to a report from the Times of India, shortly after Kohli reached the training venue, a food package was delivered to him. While the new BCCI policy prohibits personal chefs, Kohli ensured his dietary preferences were met in a different way. He reportedly communicated his needs to a local team manager, who then arranged a meal from a well-known food outlet.

"It had a few boxes of Kohli's post-session meal. While the others packed their kit bags, Kohli was refueling and even saved a box for the road," the report revealed.

The BCCI's official directive on the matter stated: "Players can no longer bring personal staff like chefs, security guards, or assistants on tours unless explicitly approved by the BCCI." As a result, both players and coaching staff have had to adjust to these newly enforced regulations. Even India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who previously had his personal assistant accompany him during matches, has now been instructed to stay at a separate hotel.

Additionally, the BCCI's new policies have led to senior players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja participating in domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy. While their performances may not have been their best, the move signals the board's firm stance on strengthening India's domestic cricket circuit.

Meanwhile, as Team India began their training sessions in Dubai, Kohli was among the first to take the nets, facing deliveries from fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. At the same time, players like Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer were aggressive in the nets, prompting support staff and others to stay alert for stray balls.

India opted to play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai under a hybrid model after extensive negotiations with the ICC. The decision followed prolonged discussions between the two cricket boards, during which the PCB even considered pulling out of the tournament. Additionally, the final's venue will only be determined if India secures a spot in the championship match. Rohit Sharma and co kick-start their tournament against Bangladesh on February 20.