BCCI Releases Policy to Promote Discipline, Unity While Ensuring Professional Standards
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a comprehensive policy document for Team India (Senior Men) aimed at promoting discipline, unity, and maintaining professional standards during tours and series. This document outlines key guidelines to foster a positive team environment and operational efficiency.
Objective: Establish guidelines that promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.
Participation in Domestic Matches: Players must participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This policy ensures players stay connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. Exceptions are considered under extraordinary circumstances with formal approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
Team Travel and Family Arrangements: All players are expected to travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions must be pre-approved by the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee.
Excess Baggage Limits: Players must adhere to the specified baggage limits shared with the team. Excess baggage costs are the responsibility of the individual player. This policy helps streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Away long duration tours (more than 30 days):
- Players: 5 pieces (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 150 kgs.
- Support staff: 2 pieces (2 big + 1 small suitcases) OR up to 80 kgs.
- Away short duration tours (less than 30 days):
- Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 120 kgs.
- Support staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR up to 60 kgs.
- Home series:
- Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR up to 120 kgs.
- Support staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR up to 60 kgs.
Restriction on Personal Staff on Tour/Series: Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants, security) are restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This ensures the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges.
Sending Bags Separately to the Centre of Excellence: Players must coordinate with team management regarding equipment and personal items being sent to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player’s responsibility.
Practice Session Attendance: All players must stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.
Personal Shoots During Series/Tour: Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This avoids distractions and ensures players’ focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities.
Family Travel Policy: The family travel policy ensures a balance between players’ personal well-being and team commitments:
- Eligibility: Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) of up to a two-week period.
- Provisions: The BCCI covers shared accommodation with the player for the Visitors’ Period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player.
- Coordination: Visits must be scheduled at a single time during dates agreed upon by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations.
- Exceptions: Any deviation from this policy must be pre-approved by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations. Additional expenses outside the visitors’ period will not be covered by the BCCI.
Participation in BCCI’s Official Shoots and Functions: Players are required to be available for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. These engagements are essential for maintaining the BCCI’s commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game effectively.
Team Unity During Tours: Players must stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, regardless of whether matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.
This policy document from the BCCI is a step towards maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and discipline within Team India while promoting unity and a positive team environment.
