BCCI changed its guidelines regarding the presence of family members on the Champions Trophy tour earlier this week. This rule restricted families from travelling with the players for the upcoming tournament, which led to a dissatisfied reaction from the players.
The step was taken following the country’s loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Even though the board was in no mood to change the rules any time soon, on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, they announced a change in their policy.
The new guidelines now allow family members and wives to travel with the players to Dubai, however, only for one match. Apparently, “a top person from the team management had talked to BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia before going to Dubai.”
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According to the report, a player must obtain prior permission from the board before, and the board will then make arrangements. The BCCI statement read, “Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and Head Coach. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI,”
“Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract,” it added.
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The decision came in as a big relief for the players however, much stricter rules are still being implemented. Families and not allowed to stay in the same hotels as the players and can attend only one match.
There will be no special treatment for personal assistants and managers even for the coach, Gautam Gambhir. They will no longer be allowed to ride on the team bus, stay at the same hotels and sit in the VIP box. All the players must travel together to and from the venue in the team buses. BCCI also won’t cover any extra cost on excess luggage over 150kgs.
The rules are enforced to build stronger relationships within the team and improve their discipline and concentration. Team India will begin its campaign in the Champions Trophy on 20 February 2025 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Also Read: Highest Individual Scores in Champions Trophy Finals: A Historical Perspective
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