BCCI sets new luggage rules after excessive baggage on Australia tour

In light of recent developments from India's tour of Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new regulations, including a limit on the luggage weight players can carry on overseas assignments. This decision, driven by a need to address past misuses, stipulates that the BCCI will only cover luggage costs up to 150 kg.

According to a report by Dainik Jagran, these rules were initiated after incidents of excessive baggage unfolded during the tour Down Under. It was revealed that a particular player had the board finance more than 27 bags, surpassing 250 kg, on the tour. These bags not only contained 17 bats but also personal items belonging to the player's family and support staff. Despite BCCI's policy of separating family and staff luggage from the player's, this individual managed to have all items covered under his allowance.

Throughout the tour, the player's family accompanied him, with the BCCI bearing substantial logistics costs to transport their belongings from India to Australia and between cities in Australia. While the exact expense remains undisclosed, estimates suggest the board spent several lakhs on this arrangement.

This excessive baggage practice seemingly influenced other team members, necessitating BCCI's intervention to establish clear guidelines. Consequently, players are now mandated to travel via the team bus, eliminating personal travel arrangements during team duties.

As the Indian squad gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, further regulations have been enforced, prohibiting family members from joining players on this tour. A senior player reportedly requested permission for his wife to accompany him, but the BCCI upheld its uniform policy, stressing that rules apply to all team members equally.