After back-to-back defeats against India New Zealand and Australiaand a steady decline in the quality of cricket on the field, beginning with a rare ODI series loss. Sri LankaSome punitive measures were expected Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) the condition of the players on the field should improve.
The cricketing community has seen a move of sorts by the BCCI recently with the release of a 10-point diktat for players that governs everything they do on and off the field; from cricket to their families during foreign tours. Reactions to this 10-point mandate have been pouring in since its announcement. But the true nature of these new rules is only now being revealed.
What are BCCI’s 10 point rules?
BCCI has introduced new guidelines aimed at strengthening team unity and discipline. Players are now required to participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for national selection, with exceptions granted only in exceptional circumstances. The Board also emphasizes team travel and does not allow individual arrangements unless approved by the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee. Private staff, including hairdressers or nannies, are prohibited from taking tours without permission from BCTI. Players should stay on the team until the end of the series or round, encouraging unity and continuity. Disciplinary measures such as suspension or fines will be applied for non-compliance. The new family travel policy allows families of players to join tours lasting more than 45 days and the BCCI bears the cost of shared accommodation. In addition, players must adhere to baggage limits, attend full practice sessions, avoid personal endorsements during tours and prioritize BCCI activities.
Also read: ‘Why always him?’: Fans react to selectors’ decision to pick Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson in India’s Champions Trophy squad.
Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar’s reaction to the new rules
Chief selector of Indian cricket team Ajit Agarkar and captain of the Indian team Rohit Sharma They came out in public for the first time recently after these guidelines were issued by the BCCI. When asked for their thoughts on the new rules, two stalwarts of Indian cricket made some amazing comments that highlighted the true nature of the new rules.
“Who told you these rules? Did it come from an official handle? Let him come, we’ll talk” Rohit said during a press conference while visibly irritated by a reporter who asked him about the new guidelines.
Agarkar’s reaction was also far from ideal and it left the cricketing community equally stunned. “I think that every team has certain rules. We’ve talked about different things that you’ve seen over the last few months where we can improve as a team and get a little closer as a team. In the last few months, we have seen the need for some changes in the team, more commitment.” said the former Indian pacer.
However, he added that it is not like a school punishment for the players and the rules are meant to have some boundaries on the team because these players are superstars in their own right.
“This is not a school, it is not a punishment. You just have some rules and when you play for the national team, you just follow the rules. These are adults. They are superstars in their own right in international sports. They know how to handle themselves.” Agarkar further added.
He is preparing to play against the Indian team England 2025 in a five-match T20I and 3-match ODI series starting January 22 before traveling to the UAE to play the Champions Trophy games.
