To foster a more cohesive and professional environment within the Indian cricket squad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a stringent 10-point code of disciplinary procedures. This followed an evaluation of the performance of the whole Indian cricket team in light of their defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Enhancing team discipline, fostering players’ overall growth, and preserving operational effectiveness when traveling and competing in international series are the key goals of the measures.
What Are The Disciplinary Guidelines’ Main Goals?
The BCCI’s new 10-point guideline aims to preserve a clear framework of duty while keeping the squad professional and motivated. This covers everything, including personal hobbies, practice sessions, and trips.
Concerning professional standards of play and operational efficiency in tours and series, disciplinary issues, team cohesion, and a pleasant team atmosphere are all important.
1. Participation in domestic games
Players must play domestic games in order to maintain their central contracts and eligibility for selection in the national squad. It guarantees that the players remain healthy for games, keep in contact with the Indian cricket community, and do talent scouting at every level. Only in extraordinary circumstances and with explicit approval from the selection committee chairman will any relaxation be allowed.
2. Taking the Team on a Trip
It is mandatory for players to accompany the squad to every practice and game. It is not advised to travel apart with family members or other people in order to maintain cohesiveness and team discipline. If there are any exceptions, the chairman of the selection committee and the head coach must provide their prior approval.
3. Overweight Limit
The individual luggage allotment is restricted by BCCI in order to streamline operations and save down on unnecessary expenses. The players would have to make accommodations within these certain bounds, but they would be responsible for the additional fees. 150 kg of luggage is permitted for tours longer than 30 days, however only 120 kg is permitted for tours less than 30 days.
4. Prohibition of Individual Team Members
Personal employees, such as managers, cooks, helpers, and security guards, are only permitted to go on tours with the BCCI’s express consent. All of them are intended to lessen logistical challenges while keeping focus on the team’s performance and operational issues.
5. Organizing the Transportation of Bags to the Center of Excellence
When shipping equipment and personal belongings to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, players must coordinate with the team administration. The athlete will be responsible for covering any additional costs if he makes independent arrangements.
6. Participation in Practice Sessions
Every player is required to show up for all of the planned practice sessions. In order to promote unity and dedication, players must travel together to and from the practice location. Discipline will be applied for noncompliance.
7. Individual Photographs and Support
While a series or tour is in progress, no personal photo sessions, sponsorships, or other media activity should take place. By preventing distractions, this regulation will help the players be more concentrated on their team commitments and cricketing duties.
8. Policy for Family Travel
Family vacations will be permitted as long as the team’s obligations are balanced with the players’ need for well-being. Players who go outside of India for more than 45 days are permitted to remain with their partner and any children under the age of 18 during a single visit in a series. The BCCI would pay for the player’s shared housing with his family; the player would be responsible for all other expenses. Any exception from this rule requires the coach, captain, and general manager of operations’ prior consent.
9. Taking Part in Formal BCCI Activities
The players will have to take part in all of BCCI’s official events, including advertising campaigns, photo sessions, and any other events the organization may plan. Promoting the game and upholding contractual commitments with different stakeholders are ensured by such actions.
10. Tours Completed
Even if the games start sooner than they should, players should remain with the squad until the finish of the tour or series. In order to preserve the team’s unity, boost morale, and keep the rhythm, this is being done.
Serious Repercussions for Failing
It has been made clear that the BCCI has strictly enforced these rules, and it has been made clear that noncompliance may result in sanctions like a person’s participation in all BCCI-run competitions, including the IPL, being suspended, and their retainer fee and match money being withheld from their contract.
As per their statement, the BCCI has emphasized the significance of these steps in guaranteeing accountability, reinforcing the value of professionalism, and securing the prosperity of Indian cricket at all levels.
