After India’s underwhelming 2024-25 Test season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is introducing stricter rules. These changes are aimed at improving player performance, particularly during overseas tours.
Limited Family Stays
The BCCI has decided to limit family stays on long tours. In the past, players, especially wives, could stay with them for extended periods. However, the board believes these stays negatively affect player focus. Starting now, families will only be allowed to stay for two weeks on a 45-day tour, following a rule that existed before 2019.
Changes in Team Travel
Players will now travel together on the team bus. The BCCI wants to discourage lone travel. This is part of a broader effort to promote unity and discipline within the squad.
Restrictions on Gautam Gambhir and His Manager
The BCCI is also tightening rules for head coach Gautam Gambhir and his manager, Gaurav Arora. Arora won’t be allowed to stay in the team hotel or sit in the VIP box at stadiums. He will also be prohibited from traveling with Gambhir on the team bus. These changes are meant to streamline the coaching staff’s role.
New Baggage Policy
For air travel, the BCCI will no longer cover players’ luggage costs if they exceed 150kg. Players will need to pay for any excess baggage themselves. This is meant to encourage personal responsibility.
Discussing Leadership and Staff Tenure
Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and Ajit Agarkar recently met with senior BCCI officials. The meeting covered several key topics, including the future of veteran players like Virat Kohli and Rohit. They also discussed limiting the tenure of support staff to three years, as some members have been with the team too long and their impact has plateaued.