BCCI bans personal chefs but assigns two board-approved cooks for India team visits

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued strict guidelines for players on discipline and unity within the team, following a poor Test season. It should be noted that the board has responded to the issue of personal chefs by offering to send two chefs on long visits to attend to the nutritional needs of the players.

India suffered a 1-3 defeat in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in the home Test series. After the defeats, the coaching staff and players came under scrutiny. The board held a review meeting with head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.

The BCCI has introduced a 10-point disciplinary guideline to foster discipline, unity and a positive team environment. This step is to maintain professional standards, improve team operations and ensure better performance on visits.

BCCI proposes solution to ‘No Personal Chefs’ policy.

The BCCI has decided to ban players from bringing their personal chefs on tours, a practice followed by some players, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, for personalized meals.

According to the Times of India, the board has proposed to send two personal chefs to cook meals for the entire squad to meet the team’s nutritional needs. Players are now deliberating whether this solution will meet their dietary requirements.

“The team has been given an option where the board will have two chefs for the needs of the players. However, there will be discussions on the specific needs of the players and what else could be done,” said a BCCI source.

Over the past six to seven years, more players have hired personal chefs to prepare meals for their specific diet plans, which are designed to maintain optimal shape. These chefs do not stay in the team hotels, but have self-catering accommodation and provide meals to the players in the hotel.

One of the concerns raised by the board during a review meeting was the presence of personal chefs in the team dining area, where only players and coaching staff are allowed.

“The question is whether two chefs can cook personalized meals for so many players. Players have their favorite food and their recipes that complement each other according to the suggested diet. Some may miss home-cooked meals on long routes and chefs they design the menu accordingly,” the source said.

“Some players have to be very careful with their diet, especially if they have overcome serious injuries that force them to watch their weight and other vitals. These chefs are very particular about the quality of the ingredients used to cook the meals. The BCCI is trying to fix it to ensure top quality food for their players,” the source added.

BCCI allows exception for personal chefs with necessary approvals

If a player seeks approval from the coach, captain and board, a personal chef may be allowed to deliver meals to the hotel concierge, where the player can pick them up and serve them to the hotel staff. hotel

This decision will depend on how flexible the BCCI is in accommodating the nutritional needs of the players. Some players, especially those recovering from injury, have to carefully monitor their diet, and personal chefs ensure that high-quality ingredients are used in their meals.

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