The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has launched a stringent 10-point guideline prior to the ICC Champions Trophy, designed to promote “discipline, unity, and a positive team environment. ” In response to reports of a ‘divided’ dressing room during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the board has enforced several modifications, many of which were deliberated after discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Nonetheless, these new rules have also impacted Gambhir personally.
BCCI’s Travel and Accommodation Restrictions
According to the updated regulations, personal assistants or managers of support staff are no longer allowed to travel with senior players on the team bus or to share the same hotel accommodations as the team. This modification directly affects Gambhir, as his personal assistant, who was frequently seen accompanying him during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has now been instructed to reside in a different hotel from the team during the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
A report from PTI emphasized this new implementation, noting, “The personal secretary of a member of the coaching staff, who was habitually seen staying at the team hotel, now occupies a different accommodation even though he has been present at every location during the England home series. ”
BCCI’s Concern Over Unauthorised Access
During India’s tour of Australia, Gambhir was the sole coach accompanied by a personal assistant, which raised alarms within the BCCI. The board has now resolutely banned such arrangements.
An irritated BCCI official earlier questioned the PA’s presence, remarking, “Why was his PA sitting in the car designated for national selectors? They can’t even converse privately with a stranger in the vehicle. Why was he assigned a place in the BCCI’s hospitality box in Adelaide? ” Leaks from the Indian dressing room have become increasingly prevalent, with several instances reported during the Australia tour. The board is keen to reduce such occurrences by limiting unauthorized access.
The official further questioned, “How did he manage to have breakfast in the restricted area of a five-star establishment that is exclusively allocated for team members? ”
Stricter Rules for Players and Their Families
As part of these new protocols, players will not be permitted to have their family members, wives, or partners accompany them during the Champions Trophy. If a player requests an exception, they will need to personally pay for the travel expenses of their family. Previously, such restrictions were absent.
Moreover, the board has placed limitations on players bringing personal chefs, hair stylists, and agents during tournaments, thereby further tightening its control over the team’s environment.
