- Aftermath of the humiliating defeat against the marauding Australians Down Under that resulted in Team India losing the series 1-3, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials were expected to crack the whip to counter the widespread criticism from all quarters. It’s a given that when the team fails to perform on expected lines, the swords will be out to not only identify the reasons for poor performance but also usher in desired changes to ensure the downfall is arrested at once. Mind you, Team India’s performances over the last few years have been excellent culminating in the ICC-sponsored T20 World Cup last year after several years of yearning for laying hand on the much-coveted trophy. But what prompted the BCCI to issue these guidelines?
PC: PTC News
- However, the disastrous Test series against New Zealand that resulted in an unexpected 3-0 whitewash set the tone for the things to come and showcased the deterioration in standards expected from Team India. Soon after the debacle in Australia ensued forcing the BCCI officials to sit up and take notice of certain issues that may have caused the slide in the performances of Team India. Thus, the BCCI officials in consultation with Head Coach Gautam Gambhir issued certain policy guidelines to streamline the Team’s operations. The mandatory participation in domestic cricket for Team India players is most welcome. Some of the marquee players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja have not played in the domestic circuit for ages.
PC:myKhel Telugu
- Approval for a family’s stay beyond 15 days on overseas tours exceeding 45 days is mandated. This will cause heartburn among some cricketers. Cricketers are expected to travel together for all the matches and practice sessions. No separate travel arrangements with the accompanying family will be encouraged. Any exception to this rule must be permitted by the chairman of selectors and Head Coach. The new policy also imposes a limit on the amount of baggage players can carry during long tours. The weight limit for baggage has been set at 150 kg. Any additional baggage costs will now be borne by the players themselves. This regulation was introduced after several players were found to be carrying excess baggage, including family members and personal staff.
PC: Hindustan times
Further, restrictions on personal staff, coordination for personal equipment and personal items, staying for entire practice sessions, prohibition on personal commercial endorsement during ongoing series or tours, and staying with the team till the end of the series even if a match or series concludes early. These policy measures are intended to ensure the team stays together for close bonding and strengthen the discipline expected from a professional outfit to perform optimally. The moot point to ponder over here is whether these policy guidelines be implemented strictly in the coming days and pursued vigorously subsequently to have any meaningful impact. The time will reveal whether the well-intentioned policy measures are here to stay.
