India men’s cricketers mandated to play domestic matches, barred from personal shoots during tours

India men’s cricketers mandated to play domestic matches, barred from personal shoots during tours

In the aftermath of the Test series defeat against Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a stringent set of 10-point disciplinary guidelines.

According to the policy document, which Sportstar has seen, the Board has barred players from engaging in personal shoots or endorsements during a series or tour, aiming to avoid distractions.

Among other guidelines, players are now required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of a match, series, or tour. Even if a match concludes earlier than expected, no player will be permitted to return home separately, as this is seen as detrimental to team dynamics.

These measures follow allegations of a clear rift between players and the team management. After a review meeting last Saturday, the Board has also prohibited players from travelling with personal staff, such as chefs, assistants, or personal security guards, during tours.

The document states that the move is intended to foster a more professional and unified team culture.

Additionally, players will no longer be allowed to use independent transport for commuting to practice sessions or matches, ensuring team cohesion and discipline. Family members accompanying players on tours will also face strict limitations.

Families to be allowed only for 14 days on overseas tours with duration of more than 45 days. Beyond that, BCCI won’t pay for families’ stay, according to the guidelines.

All personal staff, secretaries, managers, chefs to have restricted entry and would only be allowed after prior approval from BCCI.

Regarding domestic cricket, the document mandates that participation in domestic matches is compulsory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts.

This policy aims to keep players connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, promoting talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the domestic structure.

The document emphasises that participation inspires emerging players by allowing them 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,” it states.

Players are also required to adhere to specified baggage limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage costs must be borne by the individual player. This policy aims to streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses.

For away tours exceeding 30 days, players may carry up to five pieces of luggage or a maximum of 150 kg, while support staff are allowed three pieces or up to 80 kg.

For tours lasting less than 30 days, the luggage limit is reduced to 120 kg for players and 60 kg for support staff. Similar restrictions apply for home series.

The new guidelines are expected to be implemented from the home series against England, beginning next week.