In light of the disappointing performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where India suffered a 1-3 defeat, following an unprecedented 0-3 home loss to New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to implement stricter regulations for the Indian cricket team. These new protocols, which include mandatory participation in domestic cricket, limitations on the presence of family members and personal staff during tours, and a prohibition on individual endorsements throughout series, were announced on Thursday. This initiative is part of a comprehensive 10-point directive aimed at fostering discipline, unity, and a constructive team atmosphere while maintaining professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.

In response to criticism regarding the lack of commitment from key Indian batsmen, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, towards the Ranji Trophy—an issue believed to have negatively impacted the team's batting performance in recent Test series—the BCCI has made participation in domestic cricket a requirement. The newly established guidelines stipulate that players must participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts. Furthermore, the Board has sanctioned only a two-week period for family members to accompany players during overseas tours.

Additionally, the BCCI has prohibited separate travel arrangements for players and their families, asserting that all players are required to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. These protocols also mandate that while players must be available for BCCI's official promotional activities and events, they are not allowed to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during a series or tour. This regulation aims to minimize distractions and ensure that players maintain their focus on cricket and team obligations.

Moreover, the BCCI has placed restrictions on players bringing individual staff members, including personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel, on tours.

Non-compliance would invite sanctions, including IPL ban

The BCCI has explicitly indicated that any exceptions must receive prior approval from Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir. Failure to comply with this directive will result in stringent disciplinary measures, which may include prohibition from participating in the Indian Premier League.

The Board's policy articulates, "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."

Furthermore, the BCCI retains the authority to impose disciplinary measures on a player, which could encompass sanctions preventing the player from competing in all tournaments organized by the BCCI, including the Indian Premier League, as well as deductions from the player's retainer and match fees as stipulated in the BCCI Player contract.

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