BCCI Implements Stricter Protocols for Indian Cricket Team Tours
BCCI Tightens Player Protocols for Upcoming Tours
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a stricter set of protocols for the Indian cricket team, focusing on limiting family presence during tours and ensuring uniformity in player transport arrangements. These changes aim to enhance discipline, team bonding, and focus during matches and practice sessions.
Family Time Limited During Tours
Under the new guidelines:
- Duration of Stay:
- For tours lasting 45 days or more, players’ immediate families—spouse and children—can accompany them for up to 14 days. However, families will not be allowed during the first two weeks of the tour.
- On shorter tours, family members can join players for a maximum of one week.
- Accommodation and Travel Costs:
- The BCCI will continue to cover family accommodation costs during permissible stays but will not pay for travel expenses.
These protocols, outlined in players’ contracts, were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic to prioritize players’ mental health. Families were integrated into bio-bubbles to mitigate the isolation effects. With the return to pre-pandemic conditions, the BCCI has reinstated these guidelines.
Mandatory Team Transport
The protocols also emphasize team unity, mandating that players commute using the team bus for matches and practice sessions. This long-standing practice had reportedly been overlooked by some players in recent tours, prompting the BCCI to reinforce its importance. The directive seeks to strengthen camaraderie and ensure logistical consistency.
Meeting with Leadership
The revised protocols were communicated during a meeting in Mumbai between the BCCI officials, India captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. This was the first meeting post-India’s tour of Australia. Discussions centered on reinstating discipline and adhering to practices that benefit the team’s overall performance.
The Debate Around Family Presence on Tours
The presence of families during sports tours has long been a topic of debate globally. Some teams argue that family support fosters mental well-being, while others believe it distracts players from their professional commitments.
- Chennai Super Kings Model: The Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has famously embraced family inclusivity, creating a positive atmosphere for players.
- Global Examples: Brazil’s 2019 Copa America-winning team barred family visits, which was credited as a factor in their success. On the contrary, Australia’s swimmers criticized a similar ban during the 2012 Olympics, citing feelings of loneliness.
Indian Cricket’s Perspective
Indian cricket has experienced similar debates in the past. In 2018, then-captain Virat Kohli reportedly advocated for relaxed norms to allow more family time for players. Coach Gautam Gambhir, speaking at the time, highlighted the varied preferences among players:
“Some want family there throughout the tour, while others prefer limited family time to focus better. Whatever the decision, it should prioritize the best interests of Indian cricket.”
Why the Change Now?
The reinstatement of these protocols aligns with the BCCI’s commitment to maintaining discipline and focus within the team. By limiting family presence and ensuring uniformity in transportation, the board aims to minimize distractions and create a cohesive team environment.
Looking Ahead
The new protocols will take effect immediately, shaping how Indian cricketers approach their upcoming tours. While opinions on the policies may differ, the BCCI believes these measures will help Indian cricket achieve greater success on the field.
Fans and players alike will watch closely to see how these changes influence team dynamics and performance in the coming months.
