In the aftermath of the Indian Test team’s poor performance during the 2024-25 season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to implement a series of stringent measures aimed at improving the team’s focus, discipline, and overall performance on international tours.
One of the most significant changes being considered involves restricting the presence of players’ families during overseas tours. According to reports, the BCCI believes that prolonged family stays can distract players and negatively impact their performance. The board plans to reinstate a pre-2019 policy that limits family visits to just two weeks during a 45-day tour.
This move could directly affect high-profile players such as Virat Kohli, whose wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, frequently accompanies him on tours. Other cricketers’ wives, including Ritika Sajdeh and Athiya Shetty, may also face restrictions under the new policy.
Additionally, players will be required to travel exclusively with the team on the official bus, and solo travel will be discouraged to foster team unity and focus.
In another cost-cutting measure, the BCCI has reportedly decided to limit the amount of luggage covered by the board during flights. Players will now be responsible for any baggage exceeding 150 kg, a step aimed at reducing unnecessary expenses.
The BCCI has also leveled serious allegations against head coach Gautam Gambhir and his manager, Gaurav Arora. Gambhir’s manager has been banned from staying in team hotels, sitting in special zones at stadiums, or traveling on the team bus. These restrictions are reportedly part of a broader effort to maintain professionalism and avoid conflicts of interest within the team environment.
At a recent high-level meeting attended by Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and senior BCCI officials, the board discussed various issues, including the performance of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The future roles of these veteran cricketers are under review, with an emphasis on grooming younger talent.
The tenure of the coaching and support staff was also a key topic. The BCCI is considering limiting support staff contracts to three years to ensure fresh perspectives and strategies are consistently brought into the team’s management.
The BCCI is reportedly evaluating ways to curb unnecessary expenses and streamline operations. While the focus remains on improving the team’s performance, the board is keen on ensuring financial accountability. The decision to implement strict guidelines for family visits and travel arrangements reflects this dual objective.
These measures come as part of a broader push to restore the team’s standing on the international stage. The BCCI has expressed its disappointment with the team’s recent performances and is determined to bring about significant changes. By implementing these rules, the board hopes to create an environment that prioritizes focus, discipline, and professional conduct.
Whether these changes will yield the desired results remains to be seen, but the BCCI’s commitment to reform is evident. The board’s willingness to take tough decisions underscores its resolve to ensure the Indian cricket team regains its competitive edge and upholds its reputation on the global stage.
