The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially started enforcing its newly introduced 10-point policy guidelines for the Indian cricket team, signaling a shift toward greater discipline and uniformity. The first visible implementation came ahead of the India-England T20I series opener at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on January 22, with players and staff traveling exclusively by the team bus.
Key Implementation Highlights
- Mandatory Team Bus Travel:
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), hosting the match, confirmed the arrangement. Players and staff are required to use the team bus for all travel to and from the venue, ending the practice of separate or personal vehicle arrangements.“A team bus is the sole arrangement made for the Indian squad. There won’t be any personal vehicles for the cricketers,” said Snehasish Ganguly, CAB President.
- Commitment to Practice Sessions:
The guidelines state that all players must stay for the full duration of practice sessions, promoting a strong work ethic. - No Personal Managers or Assistants in Team Hotel:
The BCCI has restricted personal managers or assistants associated with players or support staff from staying at the team hotel or having access to restricted areas, such as hospitality boxes. - Unified Team Movement:
For the first time under the new policy, the Indian contingent, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, arrived at Eden Gardens via the team bus, marking a break from past practices where senior players occasionally used personal vehicles.
Why the Change?
The BCCI introduced these changes following India’s disappointing performances in recent Test series against Australia (1-3) and New Zealand (0-3). Concerns over indiscipline, lack of team bonding, and a divided work ethic prompted the board to draft the 10-point Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
“To foster teamwork and uphold discipline, it is mandatory for all players to travel together and follow the team’s itinerary.”
Mixed Reactions
- Support for the Guidelines:
CAB President Snehasish Ganguly and others have backed the policies, highlighting the importance of uniformity and discipline. - Reservations from Players:
India skipper Rohit Sharma has reportedly raised concerns about some of the clauses. However, the BCCI seems resolute in its stance, already enforcing key elements.
The Road Ahead
The 10-point policy is expected to bring much-needed structure to the team environment. By promoting team bonding and discouraging special privileges, the BCCI aims to build a cohesive and disciplined unit as India prepares for key tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025.
Whether these changes yield results on the field remains to be seen, but the initiative has undoubtedly set a new precedent for Indian cricket.
