Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) guidelines for players. He applauded the management for taking tough steps and said that the players were out of control and the board was forced to take this step.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a review meeting after the team’s poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The meeting took place in Mumbai last week in the presence of Indian National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.
The BCCI has issued a 10-point directive for centrally contracted players
Following this, the BCCI issued a 10-point directive for centrally contracted players. The governing body took strict action and restricted the players from several things. The pinnacle of all the rules were all the players needed to play domestic cricket to compete for selection in the Indian team.
In addition, the BCCI has imposed restrictions on family travel, baggage allowance, personnel restrictions, commercial shooting and a ban on players returning home if matches end early. If this happens, disciplinary action will be taken against the players.
Speaking about the same, Mohammad Kaif urged the players not to make friends with the media. He stressed that players need not trust anyone and they must make sure they don’t cross the line. He explained the following in a video he shared on his Twitter account:
“A player must understand that the media is not his friend. Not at all. Don’t trust the media. Don’t share anything with them. The media’s job is simple, if you play well, they will praise you. If you play badly, they will say bad things about you.
“The biggest hypocrisy is in the media. Because they are not your friend. Your real friend is your bat. If you run, you will play. If you run, you will play. It is your duty to run. Don’t trust anyone. They will leak the news. Cross the line.”
No one is greater than cricket and discipline – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif added that the BCCI had done a lot for the players but the players had crossed the line and hence the governing body had to step in. He added that no one is bigger than cricket and hence discipline is a must. He elaborated:
“BCCI’s guidelines were released but released after the players exercised their freedom. BCCI gave you respect, money and fame. BCCI made you a hero in a tournament like IPL.
“BTSO does a lot for the players. They have to take this step. The players are out of control. They can’t control their freedom. Some players are on private jets. Some are late for training. Some are not. Some have a personal chef. Some have a bodyguard. We gave them a chance to take this step. I think that happens after you lose. You will be back.
“When you start winning, everything will be hidden. Everyone will be your friend. Then you must not forget what the limit is that you cannot cross. You have to play on that limit. Nobody is bigger than him. Cricket and discipline that is what I ask from the players.” Muhammad Kaif said.
Players should know their limits with media!#CricketWithKaif11 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/seUrW3RlAr
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 17, 2025
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar to base selections to be announced in Indian squad…..
 for the players.){kind=link}