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After India’s back-to-back series defeats against new zealand i Australiaand a steady decline in the quality of cricket on the field which began with a rare ODI series loss against Sri Lankasome punitive actions on the part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) so that the situation of the players on the pitch can improve.
The cricketing community saw some sort of action BCCI took recently with the release of a 10-point diktat for players that streamline everything they do on and off the field; from cricket to the participation of their respective families during foreign tours. Reactions emerged during this 10-point mandate since its announcement. However, only now is the true nature of these new rules being revealed.
What are BCCI’s 10-point guidelines?
The BCCI has introduced new guidelines aimed at strengthening team cohesion and discipline. Players must now participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for the national team, with exceptions only granted in extraordinary circumstances. The board has also emphasized team travel, not allowing individual arrangements unless approved by the head coach and chairman of the selection committee. Personal staff, including hairdressers or nannies, are prohibited from conducting guided tours unless authorized by the BCCI. Players must remain with the team until the end of a series or tour, promoting bonding and continuity. Disciplinary action, such as suspensions or fines, will be imposed for non-compliance. A new family travel policy allows players’ families to join tours of more than 45 days, with the BCCI covering shared accommodation costs. In addition, players must adhere to baggage limits, attend full practice sessions, avoid personal endorsements during tours and prioritize BCCI activities.
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Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar’s reaction on the new rules
The Chief Selector of the Indian Cricket Team Ajit Agarkar and captain of the Indian team Rohit Sharma He recently made his first public appearance since these guidelines were issued by the BCCI. When asked for their views on the new rules, the two Indian cricket stalwarts made some surprising comments that highlighted the true nature of the new rules.
“Who told you about these rules? Did it come from the official handle? Let it come, and we’ll talk,” Rohit said as he was visibly irritated with the reporter who asked him about the new guidelines during the press conference.
Agarkar’s reaction was also far from ideal and equally shocked the cricketing community. “I think every team has some rules in place. We’ve talked about a number of things that you see over the last few months where we can improve as a team and get a little bit closer as a team. We’ve seen in the last few months the need to ‘some changes, more team bonding’. said the ancient Indian pacer.
However, he further said that it is not like school punishment for the players and that the rules are meant to have a certain boundary on the team as these players are superstars in their own right.
“It’s not a school, it’s not a punishment. You only have a few rules and when you play the national team, you only follow the rules. These are mature individuals. They are superstars in their own right in international sport. They know how to behave themselves,” Agarkar added more.
Indian team is about to play against England in a five-match T20I series and a 3-match ODI series from January 22 before leaving for the UAE to play their Champions Trophy 2025 matches.
