BCCI’s 10 New Guidelines for the Indian Cricket Team – Policy Explained 

One of the biggest entertainment pulse of Billions of Indians is Cricket, and it is no surprise that post the recent disappointing results from the Men’s Cricket Team, there must be a shift or redirection to be executed. This is exactly what the Board of Cricket Council of India (BCCI) has decided as they have now laid out 10 stringent rules and guidelines for the team to follow. 

The aim of BCCI in laying out these guidelines is to promote discipline, fair treatment, look into the unspoken hierarchy and to maintain professionalism. The said rules will also uphold the spirit of teamwork and subsequently lead to harmonious growth in the Indian Team environment. 

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— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2025

BCCI’s 10 Ironclad Rules and Guidelines 

1. Mandatory Participations in Domestic Matches – Indian players must be obligated to play in the domestic matches in order to be selected for the National or Central Contracts. This rule ensures the players active involvement in the domestic scene, in importing knowledge to young players and in keeping up the fitness during the off- tour seasons. This rule is also the reflection of certain players’ refusal in playing the domestic games last year. Any exceptions hereon will have to be determined through and with the approval of the Selection Committee. 

2. Traveling with the Team – Players must always travel with the team in the allotted team vehicles to and fro the matches for maintaining team discipline and unity. Traveling with their families will not be entertained unless extraordinary circumstances demand and with the pre approval from the Head Coach and Selection Committee. 

3. No Personal Staffs – Players cannot travel with their personal chefs, managers, PAs or Security Guards. This rule will ensure fairness in the team and focus on team operations. 

4. No Personal Shoots or Campaigns – The players are restricted from participating in personal shoots or advertisement campaigns during the tour or tournament. This rule looks forward to restoring the complete focus on the game and operations. 

5. Family Travel – Family of the players are allowed to visit and stay with them during long Overseas tours but with a restriction. If the players are away for more than 45 days, the family can visit and stay for a period of 2 weeks. While the expenses for shared accommodation is covered by the BCCI, rest of the expenses must be taken care of by the players. 

6. Baggage Limitations – This baggage restriction guideline is to ensure the safety and logistical maintenance cost issues. 

                                      Long Away Tours (more than 30 days)

• Indian Players: 5 luggages (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or up to 150 kg.
• Support staff: 3 luggages (2 big + 1 small suitcase) or up to 80 kg.

                                     Short Away Tours (less than 30 days)

• Indian Players: 4 luggages (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or up to 120 kg.
• Support staff: 2 luggages (2 suitcases) or up to 60 kg.

                                      Home Series 

• Indian Players: 4 luggages (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or up to 120 kg.
• Support staff: 2 luggages (2 suitcases) or up to 60 kg.

7. Must Present in Practice Sessions – All the Team Indian players must be available for the practice sessions during the series for strengthening the teamwork. 

8. Participate in BCCI Events – Players must attend any BCCI event or promotion shoots as they are necessary for supporting the sponsors and promotion of the game. 

9. Coordinate with Sending Gears – All players must coordinate with the management and support staff for sending the gears to Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence. Any extra costs for separate arrangements must be taken care of by the players. 

10. Completion of Tours – All the players must stick to the team and travel till the end of the series, even if the matches are finished early. This will ensure team unity and discipline. 

What happens if any Indian Player Breaks these BCCI Rules? 

The BCCI stated that “All players are expected to adhere strictly to the above guidelines. 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.

“Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include (i) sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League; and (ii) deduction from retainer amount/match fees under the BCCI Player contract.