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

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 promote a positive environment.

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While it remains to be seen how the team will regroup and determine a new strategy with the all-important Champions Trophy around the corner, the board wants players to adhere to the rules below in future international matches. Any failure to comply with the policy document may result in disciplinary action. Even IPL participation could be in jeopardy.

1. Domestic participation mandatory: Participation in domestic competitions has been made mandatory to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. Notably, Rishabh Pant, Yashavi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are all in line to play the next round of Ranji trophy action.

This policy will ensure that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, thereby promoting talent development, maintaining match fitness and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them with opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent development. Any exceptions to this mandate will be considered only under extraordinary circumstances and will require formal notification and approval from the chair of the selection committee, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process, the policy said.

2. Players traveling separately with families: All players are expected to travel with the team to and from games and practices. Separate travel arrangements with families are not recommended to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Any exceptions must be approved in advance by the Head Coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee.

3. Excess Baggage Limit: Players are required to adhere to specified bag limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage charges are the responsibility of the individual player.

4. Restriction for individual personnel on tour/series: Personal personnel (e.g. personal managers, chefs, assistants and security) are not permitted to participate in tours or series unless expressly approved by the BCCI. This ensures that the focus remains on team activities and logistical challenges are minimized. this must be abolished.

5. Send bags separately to the Center of Excellence: Players must coordinate with the team management regarding equipment and personal items to be sent to the Center of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs arising from separate arrangements are the responsibility of the player.

6. Leaving practice sessions early: All players are required to remain for the entire duration of scheduled training and travel together to and from the venue.

7. Personal recordings during series/tour: Players are not permitted to conduct personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour.

8. Family Travel Policy: For foreign trips of more than 45 days, partners and children can participate for a maximum of two weeks. This policy existed in the past and has now been strengthened. The policy states that BCCI would bear the accommodation costs only for the sanctioned period. The policy was first relaxed when Virat Kohli was the captain when families were allowed to stay after the initial ten days and stay for the remaining duration of a long tour. Later, during Covid, families were allowed to be with the players all the time.

9. Participation in BCCI's Official Shoots and Functions: Players must be available for BCCI's official shoots, promotional activities and functions, activities that are essential to the fulfillment of BCCI's obligations to stakeholders.

10. Players returning home if matches end early: Players must remain with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, regardless of whether the matches end earlier than scheduled. This creates unity, promotes team bonding and prevents disruption of team dynamics, according to the policy. Notably, spinner R Ashwin left the tour midway and announced his retirement after the third Test match.

This policy is aimed at maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and discipline within Team India. By promoting unity and ensuring operational efficiency, we can create an environment where players thrive and perform at their best. is stated in the policy document.

The Indian cricket board clearly believes that the fault lines lie outside the field of play. Time will tell if these restrictions will be enough to turn the team's fortunes around.