Champions Trophy 2025: Gautam Gambhir reprimanded by BCCI? New SOP Guidelines enforces strict rules for Personal Assistants

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced strict new standard operating procedures (SOPs) ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, significantly altering how the Indian team operates on tour.

While these measures are designed to ensure discipline and unity within the squad, they have also impacted Team India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir. As reported by PTI, Gambhir's personal assistant (PA), who was frequently seen alongside him during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been asked to stay away from the team hotel and travel separately.

The BCCI's decision comes in response to concerns over unauthorized access and information leaks from the dressing room. It has been reported that the assistant was present in restricted areas during India's tour of Australia, including the BCCI hospitality box in Adelaide and even selectors' designated vehicles. A senior BCCI official, speaking to PTI, questioned why an individual with no official role was granted such close proximity to the team's operations.

With the Champions Trophy set to take place in Dubai under the hybrid model, the board is keen on enforcing these SOPs without exceptions. Under the new rules, personal assistants, managers, chefs, and other support staff accompanying players or coaching personnel will not be allowed to stay in the same hotel as the team. They are also barred from traveling on the team bus, ensuring that only essential personnel have access to key team discussions and logistics.

The clampdown is part of a broader effort to tighten team discipline following reports of a divided team environment during the Australia series. BCCI believes that restricting personal entourages will prevent distractions, eliminate unnecessary logistical challenges, and foster better camaraderie among players and staff. The new policy also applies to cricketers' family members, as spouses and partners will not be allowed to travel unless the tour exceeds 45 days.

With the Indian team scheduled to leave for Dubai on February 15, these measures will be closely observed in action. While Gambhir's coaching tenure has already sparked conversations, his PA being moved to a separate facility signals that the board is leaving no room for exceptions, reinforcing its stance on professionalism and discipline ahead of the marquee tournament.