On Thursday, BCCI issued a 10-point diktat to promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India sent a document titled ‘Policy Document for Team India’ to India’s contracted men’s players. This step was taken as a response to poor performance against New Zealand and the Border Gavaskar Trophy, to which BCCI gave a warning to players that “non-compliance” could not just result in disciplinary action, but heavier punishments like exclusion from domestic cricket and IPL. Besides, deductions from central contract retainers as well.
Domestic cricket ‘mandatory’ for national selection
The document is proposed “to promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.” Keeping in view that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not prioritize the Ranji Trophy, playing domestic cricket has become mandatory for players. According to the guidelines, players must play domestic cricket” to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts.”
Limitation on Families’ Stay and Restriction of Personal Staff
Previously, at the board meeting of BCCI, the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, restricted families and personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security) on tours. Families of players can stay up to 14 days with the player on tour for 45 days or more.
Refrain from Personal Shoots and Participation in BCCI’s Official shoots
BCCI also barred individual endorsements and personal shoots during the series/tour. This is to avoid distractions and ensures that the players are focused on cricket and the team’s responsibilities. On the contrary, the participation of players in BCCI’s official shoots and functions is required to maintain BCCI’s commitments to stakeholders and promote the game effectively.
Players cannot travel separately to tours/matches
BCCI also restricted players from returning home early, regardless of whether matches ended earlier than planned, they are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the series/tour to ensure unity and foster bonding.
Sanctions in case of ‘non-compliance’
The BCCI warned players that if they do not follow the 10-point diktat, they will face severe punishments, including a ban from playing for India in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a reduction in their central contract amount and fees.
The BCCI has emphasized that players must “adhere strictly” to the guidelines and in case of “non-compliance”, there will be “disciplinary action” including sanctions.
The guidelines stated, “The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player for participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including, the Indian Premier League and deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI player contract.”
The BCCI said that implementing such measures “ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to established policies and prioritizing Indian cricket.”
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