BCCI’s 10-point plan to get Indian cricket back on track

[rollingstoned]

BCCI’s 10-point plan to get Indian cricket back on track

The BCCI has prepared a policy document, which contains a list of 10 diktats for the Indian cricket team.

Mumbai: Following the recent review meeting with the team management after the defeat in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has prepared a policy document, accessed by HT, which contains a list of 10 diktats for the Indian cricket team in an effort to ‘promote discipline, unity and a positive environment’.

 

 

The Indian team stand for their national anthem ahead of play on the first day of the fourth cricket test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) (AP)

 

The tour Down Under, which saw India squander away a lead to lose 1-3, was also marred by off-field controversies as stories of team discontent made headlines. Certain players would travel between venues with their family on their own, the younger players were known to have their share of off-field fun and as per one team official, ‘team discipline became a casualty’.

While it remains to be seen how the team re-gathers and re-strategises with the all-important Champions Trophy round the corner, the board wants players to adhere to the rules listed below in future international engagements. Any non-compliance as per the policy document can lead to ‘disciplinary action’. Even IPL participation could be at risk.

Domestic participation compulsory

Participation in domestic matches has been made mandatory to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression. Any exceptions to this mandate will be considered only under extraordinary circumstances and will require formal notification and approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process."

Players Have To Travel With Team

 

"Players Traveling Separately with Families All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions, if any, must be pre- approved by the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee."

 

Limit On Baggage

 

"Excess Baggage Limit Players are required to adhere to the specified baggage limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage costs will need to be borne by the individual player. This policy helps streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses.

 

Baggage policy:

 

Away long duration tours (more than 30 days):

 

Players - 5 pieces (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 150 kgs. Support staff - 2 pieces (2 big + 1 small suitcases) OR upto 80 kgs.

 

Away short duration tours (less than 30 days):

 

Players - 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 120 kgs. Support staff - 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR upto 60 kgs.

 

Home series:

 

Players - 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 120 kgs. Support staff - 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR upto 60 kgs."

 

Restriction On Players Staff

 

"Restriction on Individual Staff on Tour/Series Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants and security) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges. - this has to be done away with."

 

Sending Bags To Centre Of Excellence

 

"Sending Bags Separately to the Centre of Excellence Players must coordinate with team management regarding equipment and personal items being sent to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player's responsibility."

 

Players Not Allowed To Leave Practice Session Early

 

Leaving Practice Sessions Early All players are required to stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.

 

 

Personal Shoots Banned On Tour

 

"Personal Shoots During Series/Tour Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This avoids distractions and ensures that the players' focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities."

 

Family Travel Restricted

 

"Family Travel Policy The family travel policy ensures a balance between players' personal well-being and team commitments:

 

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."

Participation In BCCI's Offical Functions

 

 

"Participation in BCCI's Official Shoots and Functions

 

Players are required to be available for BCCI's official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. These engagements are essential for maintaining the BCCI's commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game effectively."

 

Players Cannot Return Home Early

 

"Players Returning Home if Matches End Early Players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, regardless of whether matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics,"

 

BCCI's Warning To Players - Ban From IPL And Lose Match Fees

 

The BCCI warned players if the 10-point policy is not followed it will lead to punishments which include sanctions from playing for India, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as a reduction in their central contract amount and match fees.

 

"Implementation and Compliance: 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. Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include (i) sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League; and (ii) deduction from retainer amount / match fees under BCCI Player contract.

 

"This measure ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to established policies and prioritising Indian cricket This policy aims to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline within Team India. By fostering unity and ensuring operational efficiency, we can create an environment where players thrive and perform to their fullest potential," said the BCCI document.

 

Last week, the top BCCI officials held a review meeting which was attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

 

Baap re, itna sab kuch hota tha matlab. And they have ensured an Ashwin situation doesn't occur again which means they didn't approve of it.

Edited January 17, 2025 by rollingstoned

[Gollum]

Smokescreen, just keep diverting focus from real issues. 

[Sandz]

Only two good things in the list:

 

Compulsory domestic cricket 

Restrictions on shooting while on tour

 

Rest is all fluff.

[deepdynamo]

I think all of these 10 points apply to one and only King Kohli. 

[Stan AF]

https://youtube.com/shorts/Vnn7uxuWnqA?si=llGVPxw2qwRgmWmT

Edited January 17, 2025 by Stan AF

[Lord]

Everything but dropping these two

[vvvslaxman]

55 minutes ago, deepdynamo said:

I think all of these 10 points apply to one and only King Kohli. 

They are forcing him out. 

[diga]

11 minutes ago, vvvslaxman said:

They are forcing him out. 

I hope he drops out voluntarily by retiring 

[Number]

So these rules also tell us what was actually going on.

 

Players were coming and leaving  practice sessions as per their own timings. 

Players were doing business deals, meetings during ongoing tours.

Some players were travelling and staying seperately from the team.

 

[tweaker]

For seniors " Aao joa ghar apna"

[tweaker]

39 minutes ago, Number said:

So these rules also tell us what was actually going on.

 

Players were coming and leaving  practice sessions as per their own timings. 

Players were doing business deals, meetings during ongoing tours.

Some players were travelling and staying seperately from the team.

 

BCCI should enquire if there were photo shoots during 4 or 5th day of the tests.Because most of the test we have lost in 3 days.

 

BCCI should enquire what they were doing when the test ended early  

[Suhaan]

1 hour ago, vvvslaxman said:

They are forcing him out. 

Any man of integrity/self respect would have retired like Ashwin

[adi B]

Wow truly visionary , guaranteed 100s from ROKO now 

Edited January 17, 2025 by adi B

[Adamant]

This is amazing, if someone does not want to follow this, let him figure out another career.

[diga]

2 hours ago, Number said:

So these rules also tell us what was actually going on.

 

Players were coming and leaving  practice sessions as per their own timings. 

Players were doing business deals, meetings during ongoing tours.

Some players were travelling and staying seperately from the team.

surely its not hard for Journos who were in Australia to enlighten us on the players who violated these rules

 

[BacktoCricaddict]

53 minutes ago, diga said:

surely its not hard for Journos who were in Australia to enlighten us on the players who violated these rules

 

Rules are only as effective as the consequences for breaking them. What is the consequence for breaking them and will they be the same for all? 

[Sean Bradley]

Roko naam ke kutton ko bahar Nikalo !! Bloody non performing Leechads!! 

[The Realist]

Wow such a forward thinking stratgey, world domination awaits...

 

The "plan" is just standard behaviour and process when you are part of professional international sports team, the fact that BCCI are publicising and making it a big deal just shows how rotten/toxic/unmanageable the team has become. 

[Number]

1 hour ago, diga said:

surely its not hard for Journos who were in Australia to enlighten us on the players who violated these rules

 

Vikrant Gupta didn't take names but said from 2018 Eng tour some players have been coming to practice in their own cars. Stay in different hotels, travel seperately. He even said one player was mostly busy doing some business deals during US leg of the 2024 T20 world cup.  We can guess who.

Edited January 17, 2025 by Number

[Lord]

8 minutes ago, Number said:

Vikrant Gupta didn't take names but said from 2018 Eng tour some players have been coming to practice in their own cars. Stay in different hotels, travel seperately. He even said one player was mostly busy doing some business deals during US leg of the 2024 T20 world cup.  We can guess who.

 

but why should we believe Vikrant? The guy is clearly in Rohit camp