New BCCI Rule: Limited Family Time for Indian Cricketers on Overseas Tours

In response to the Indian cricket team’s recent poor performances—most notably a home series whitewash against New Zealand and a 1-3 loss in Australia—the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced significant changes aimed at boosting player focus and team cohesion.

During a review meeting involving BCCI officials, captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, several new policies were finalized, as reported by Dainik Jagran.

Reinstating the Pre-Covid Rule for Player Families
One major change is the restriction on players’ families accompanying them for the entirety of a tour. Under the revised guidelines, families can stay with players for up to 14 days on tours exceeding 45 days. For shorter tours, the limit is reduced to seven days. This is a return to the pre-Covid protocol, as the board believes prolonged family presence might be affecting player performance.

This decision follows observations during the recent Australia series, where cricketers like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were accompanied by their spouses throughout the tour.

Unified Travel for Team Bonding
To foster team unity, the BCCI has mandated that all players, regardless of their seniority, must travel together in the team bus. Over the past few years, several players opted to travel independently, but this practice will no longer be allowed. “Team unity is a priority, and all players, irrespective of their stature, must use the team bus," stated the report.

Restrictions on Non-Player Personnel
Another significant decision involves barring head coach Gautam Gambhir’s personal manager from team accommodations and matches. The manager will no longer be permitted to stay in the team hotel, access the VIP box, or use the team bus.

The BCCI’s measures aim to rebuild focus, enhance team camaraderie, and improve performances in upcoming matches. With stricter policies in place, the board is hopeful that these changes will restore India’s competitive edge on the international stage.