Girlfriends and wives are not allowed during tours: New Guidelines from BCCI

Since India is going to face England in its T20I series opener at Eden Gardens on January 22, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has initiated new regulations for the national cricket team. This document consists of 10-point Standard Operating Procedures that will ensure better discipline, team unity, and professionalism after a dull performance in the Australia series.

The guidelines are basically an effort to enforce team solidarity, making sure the players are committed to their roles and have a good work ethic. Included in these strict guidelines is the requirement for the team to travel only in the team bus, a gesture that the Board hopes will stop the previous culture where senior players often traveled separately in their personal cars. This was decided upon after feedback came in on the need to streamline the operations and make sure that all players travel together for both practice sessions and matches.

Team Bus: New Era for Travel Norms

This is a big change in travel arrangements for the Indian team, as players who had been used to traveling in their personal vehicles will have to adhere to the new norm. The first test of this rule was during the arrival of the team at Eden Gardens, as the entire squad, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, arrived together in the team bus.

This policy ensures commitment and gives them a bonding feeling within the team. “All are traveling together, and that shows the discipline of the team, how collectively they are focused for the upcoming series,” said Snehasish Ganguly, the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Ganguly also said no separate transport arrangements were made for the players.

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Family Visits Now Regulated

Another major update in the new guidelines relates to family visits during overseas tours. The BCCI has brought in stringent rules wherein the players will need to get permission from the head coach and chairman of selectors for the same. In fact, now family visits can be accommodated only up to two weeks during an overseas tour that is more than 45 days. This move aims to ensure that the spotlight remains on cricket, amidst growing concerns about maintaining team cohesion on long tours.

While some players were allowed to have their family members with them on free will earlier, this new policy attempts to ensure that personal engagements would not disturb the collective effort of the team while on international tours.

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Support Staff Now Face Stricter Boundaries

In another change, BCCI has ordered a crackdown on the presence of personal managers or assistants of players in the team hotel. For the first time, personal managers would not be allowed to stay at the team hotel or be present in the hospitality boxes which are meant for selectors and official team members. It moves to prevent non-essential staff from disrupting the focus of the team and avoids distractions during any important series, especially international ones.

This comes after criticism that some of the personal managers of the support staff had access to the team’s hospitality areas on previous tours. The operations team at the BCCI has now intervened to make sure such exemptions are not repeated so that the environment is professional both on and off the field.

These new measures are in place as the Indian team gears up for the high-intensity T20I series against England, hence expecting a more disciplined, focused, and united squad. The stern implementation of the same by the BCCI shows how concerned it is that the team does not get off track.

FAQs

Q: What are the key changes in BCCI’s new guidelines for the India team?

A: The key changes include all players having to travel on the team bus, restrictions on family stays during foreign tours, and a ban on personal managers’ stays in the team hotel.

Q: Why has the BCCI brought about these changes?

A: These changes are being done to enhance the team’s discipline, cohesion, and focus, particularly after their dismal performance during the Australia series.

Q: How many days will the family members be allowed to stay with players on foreign tours?

A: Two weeks during foreign tours lasting more than 45 days but only after the head coach and selectors’ chairman have consented.

Q: Are personal managers allowed to stay in the team hotel?

A: No, personal managers or assistants are no longer accommodated at a team hotel or have access to the team’s hospitality area during the tour.