Following India's disappointing 2024-25 Test campaign, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering implementing strict new regulations for players and their families during overseas tours.
Historically, players, particularly those married, have enjoyed significant freedom to have their families travel with them during extended tours. However, the BCCI now believes that long stays with family may negatively affect players' performances.
As a result, the board plans to reintroduce a rule, which was in place before 2019, limiting family visits.
Sources suggest that under the new rule, players will only be allowed to have their families, particularly wives, accompany them for a maximum of two weeks during a 45-day tour.
The BCCI also aims to enforce a policy requiring all players to travel together on the team bus, with solo travel discouraged. This change could impact players like Virat Kohli, whose wife Anushka Sharma, along with other cricketers' wives, often accompany them for the entirety of their tours.
The BCCI’s increased control extends beyond family matters. Reports indicate that head coach Gautam Gambhir and his manager, Gaurav Arora, will face new restrictions. Gambhir’s manager will no longer be allowed to stay at the team hotel, occupy a seat in the VIP box at stadiums, or travel on the team bus.
Furthermore, during air travel, the BCCI will no longer cover costs for player luggage exceeding 150kg, expecting players to pay for any excess baggage themselves.
These decisions were reportedly discussed in a meeting with top BCCI officials, including Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, and selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar.
The focus of the discussions included the future of veteran players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as well as the tenure of Gambhir’s coaching staff. The BCCI feels that the performance levels of the team and support staff have stagnated due to long tenures and is considering limiting the tenure of support staff to three years.
The BCCI’s dissatisfaction stems from the Indian team’s recent loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where they were defeated 1-3 in Australia. Beyond the series loss, reports emerged of poor morale within the dressing room, with multiple controversies surrounding players’ decisions, including Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement and leadership concerns with Rohit Sharma dropping himself for the final Test.
During the Australian tour, some players, like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, traveled with their families, while others adhered to the team travel guidelines. Media reports suggested that the Indian team did not celebrate their historic win in Perth together, further highlighting tensions within the squad.
The BCCI’s proposed regulations include the following:
- Families can only stay with players for a maximum of 14 days on tours lasting 45 days or longer.
- Shorter tours may allow families for a period of 7 days.
- Players must travel together on the team bus.
- Wives cannot stay with players for the entire tournament.
- Families can only stay for 2 weeks.
- Gautam Gambhir’s manager will face restrictions on accommodation and travel, including not being allowed in the VIP box or team bus.
- Players will be responsible for any additional luggage charges exceeding 150kg.
In response to the Australian tour, the BCCI held a review meeting with Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir. Although the board is looking to implement some of these new rules, they have opted not to make hasty decisions regarding the team's combination, with important tournaments like the Champions Trophy fast approaching.
The BCCI aims to avoid any drastic changes that could disrupt team dynamics or affect the upcoming tournaments.
