India Retains ‘Non-negotiable’ Guidelines For Champions Trophy Bound Players
Published - 14 Feb 2025, 12:43 PM | Updated - 20 Feb 2025, 11:54 PM
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Since India’s 3-1 Test series defeat in the five matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2025 down under, the BCCI put a few rules and regulations on the players and their families for the tours in the future. A few terms have already taken place during the three ODIs and five T20Is at home against England.
When the head of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma announced the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, the latter shot back, remarking that no one should focus on the news if it doesn’t come officially.
The Indian team was strictly ordered to maintain new guidelines in the Champions Trophy
The BCCI has officially and formally handed over the Sops regarding the nets, travel, and luggage allowances. During the recent third ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the players had been told that the guidelines and disciplinary rules will stay with the side and are non-negotiable.
The reports have confirmed that the rules will kick in with immediate effect. Their aim was “to establish guidelines that promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series."
The secretary of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), R Devraj, will be the manager of the team during the eight-team ICC event and has strictly told the players to enforce the rules. The terms have also restricted the personal managers, chefs assistants, and security unless approval comes from the BCCI.
In the past, the Indian players carried half a dozen staff, including the cooks, nannies, and hairdressers, besides the family members, and the BCCI is very strict against this rule.
India to travel to Dubai without families
The other most prominent among the SOPs is the restriction of the family members, mainly the spouses. The new rule states that the Indian players will get their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) for nearly two weeks, only if the tour gets more than 45 days.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be part of just three weeks in Dubai, and that too if the Blue Brigade qualifies for the semifinal and final of the event. This has ruled the families’ stay with the players in the competition.
“All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions, if any, must be pre-approved by the head coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee.” The advisory addresses.
Players to travel together in practice sessions in the Champions Trophy
A similar clause reveals that the players will not be allowed to get engaged in personal shoots or endorsements in the ongoing series or trips. That will avoid any distractions and ensure that the players’ focus remains always on the game and the team's responsibilities.
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“All players are required to stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.” The rule book states.
The BCCI committee will seriously review the violation of the rules. India grabbed the T20 World Cup 2024 last year and will aim to carry the same momentum in this upcoming event.
The Rohit Sharma-led side will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 before they face Pakistan two days later. Their final group-stage clash will take place against New Zealand on March 2. If they reach the semifinal, it will occur on March 4, as the final will be on March 09.
