The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry reveals 10-point dictates after the Australia disaster, and threatens “disciplinary action against…”

Taking on the Indian cricket team’s “star culture”, the BCCI on Thursday unveiled a 10-point policy to promote “discipline and unity”, making domestic cricket compulsory, restricting and banning the presence of families and personal staff on tours. Individual trade approvals throughout the continuum. It is learned that it was head coach Gautam Gambhir who requested these restrictions in a review meeting of the team’s recent poor run. Failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including reductions in player agent fees from central contracts and a ban from participating in the cash-rich Indian Super League.

The measures were announced in the wake of the team’s disastrous tour of Australia during which they surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. The disaster was preceded by a series whitewash against a relatively under-strength New Zealand at home.

The 10 diktat requires players to seek approval from Gambhir and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar for any relaxation, including the duration of their families’ stay on the tour.

The board approved a period of only two weeks for families to stay with players during overseas tours exceeding 45 days, along with restrictions on personal staff and commercial photography.

Looking at things, BCCI seems to have fully supported Gambhir’s position during the review meeting held last weekend.

Describing the measures as a way to “ensure professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series”, the policy, which is in possession of PTI, could serve as a landmark document.

“Any exceptions or deviations must be approved in advance by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and the Head Coach. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action as the BCCI deems appropriate,” the board warned.

She added: “In addition, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any player which may include a penalty against the player concerned from participating in all tournaments conducted by the BCCI including Indian Premier League deduction from the retainer amount/match fee.” Under the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry player contract.” .

Participation in local matches

The board said it was essential that players remain available for local matches.

“This policy ensures that players remain connected to the local cricket ecosystem, promote talent development, maintain match fitness, and strengthen the overall domestic structure,” the BCCI said Any exceptions to this mandate would require formal notification and approval from Agarkar.

The reason behind these instructions is the absence of stars in the Ranji circle. Virat Kohli has not played a Ranji Trophy match since 2012, and that was a year before Sachin Tendulkar played his last Ranji Trophy match in 2013.

Embattled skipper Rohit Sharma last played for Ranji in 2015.

Players travel separately with their families

Players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and training sessions.

The BCCI said separate travel arrangements with families are not encouraged to maintain “discipline and team cohesion”.

Exceptions, if any, must be approved in advance by Gambhir and Agarkar.

This is after one of the stars traveled separately on tour, including last year during a South African stint.

During the recent tour of Australia, two major stars refused to travel with the teams and one of them rented a charter plane to travel from one Australian city to another.

Maximum baggage limit

Players will now be required to adhere to specific baggage limits shared with the team. Any costs for excess baggage must be borne by the individual. The maximum baggage weight for long-haul flights is set at 150 kg.

This was necessary after the players, who were traveling with their families, included their partners, children and staff personal bags in their account.

Restrictions on individual employees of the tour/series

Personal staff, including managers, chefs, assistants and security, will be restricted for tours or series unless expressly approved by the BCCI.

It all started when Gautam Gambhir’s personal manager raised eyebrows with his presence at the team hotel.

While Gambhir agreed to keep his secretary away, he ensured that the chefs of some of the younger star players were not allowed easy access to the setup.

Send the bags separately to the Center of Excellence

The players have been asked to coordinate with the team management regarding the equipment and personal items sent to the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

“Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the responsibility of the player.” Some top players have been known to send in their equipment or kits long before they arrive for rehab at the NCA and most have gained notoriety for not paying overage costs.

Leave training sessions early

All players will be tasked with staying for the duration of scheduled training sessions and traveling together to and from the venue to promote “commitment” and “foster a strong work ethic within the team”. The move will ensure that star players, who are used to a separate car to leave the net at will, will have to stay for the duration.

In addition, the board prohibited players from participating in personal photo shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour to avoid “distractions” and allowed families to join them on overseas tours longer than 45 days.

The last two points of the document make it mandatory for players to be available for filming and official board functions, along with remaining with the team even when the match or series in question ends early.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)