In the last weekend meeting among the BCCI members in Mumbai, they pointed out ten points so that there will be discipline, unity and a healthy atmosphere among the players.
In that meeting, head coach Gautam Gambhir was also assisted along with the ODI and Test cricket skipper Rohit Sharma. Among those 10 pointers, some of the key points were that all the players will travel together, no individual will be allowed to travel alone.
Earlier there was also a discussion that the family members will not be allowed more than 14 days on a 45 or more days tour. Earlier the family members were allowed to live with the players as long as the tour prevails.
In that 10 points document it was said, “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.”
BCCI also plans out if there will be any disobedience of the rules and regulations, they will take strong actions against the players. The action might be in the form of exclusion from IPL, domestic cricket or may be debarred or degraded from the central contract.
The 10 points that were described in that document from BCCI are:
- Participation in the domestic matches – players are advised to take part in the domestic matches. If the players are not on national duty then it will be mandatory for them to play in the domestic circuit. This will increase their fitness level and will create motivation among the domestic players. If there will be any exceptions to the players, then they have to take permission from the Chairman of the board through formal notification and on approval only the player will be exhibited from the domestic matches.
- Players travel all together – When there is any ongoing tournament, the players will travel together. Not exceptions will be given to any individual to travel with their families. This will create a heavy ecosystem between the team.
- Players to carry limited luggage – Players must carry limited luggage which will be assigned to them. If the assigned weight is less than the luggage carried from any individual players, then the extra luggage cost will be borne from those individual players. This will avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Player’s individual staff will be restricted – Many of the Indian players are having their managers, personal chefs, security and many more during the ongoing series, which is now currently to be restricted. This will also help easy access between the players and will also avoid the extra convenience charges. If any player wants to carry their staff, then they need to get a nod from the BCCI.
- Full time practice sessions – Players need to attend the full practice session from start till the end. No one will be allowed to attend in between the sessions. Also no one will be allowed to leave in between the session. All the players will leave together from the hotel to the venue and vice-versa in the end.
- Restriction in Family duration – Earlier the family were with the players till the end of the series but now they were not allowed to be with them only for 14 days. Not more than 14 days are allowed if the overseas tour will be more than 45 days.
- Eligibility: Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format wise) of up to a two-week period.
- Provisions: The BCCI will cover shared accommodation with the player for the Visitors’ Period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player.
- Coordination: Visits must be scheduled at a single time 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 visitors’ period will not be covered by the BCCI.
- Mandate participation in official shoots and functions – if there will be any BCCI’s official shoots or any functions, then the players must be available to attend those shoots. This will create a healthy environment between the management and the players.
- No Personal shoots during ongoing series – The players will not be allowed to do their personal shoots while they are playing any series or tournaments. They need to fully focus on the series which will help them avoid distractions.
- No separate bags to the CoE – The players need to coordinate with the team management regarding their equipment and personal items which they need to send to the Centre of Excellence (CoE). Any additional items that require extra time will be cost bearing by the players.
- No early returns from the match – Players need to connect with the team throughout the series. They will not be allied to leave the team in between the series. If any player wants to leave in between then they have to inform the management and coach. On approval only they will be allowed to leave.
All the players need to abide by the decision taken by the BCCI so that a healthy decorum will be maintained. They need to have taken permission from the head coach and from the chairman for any exceptions. Unfollowing any rules will not be spared by the management and any harsh decision might be taken against them.