Published at: January 17, 2025 10:30 AM

Updated at: January 18, 2025 3:12 AM

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced strict rules limiting the presence of cricketers' families and personal staff during tours, following a disappointing Test series loss. The BCCI's new policy, which includes a 10-point plan, aims to foster discipline and unity within the team. These changes were reportedly influenced by head coach Gautam Gambhir's desire to end the culture of star players traveling with large entourages.

Sources revealed that some players, like a wicketkeeper, travel with a personal chef, while top batters bring along security guards and even nannies for their children. This practice, the BCCI claims, negatively affects the team’s overall environment.

As part of the new rules, the BCCI will allow players' families to join them for a limited period of two weeks on overseas tours. Personal staff and commercial activities like photo shoots are also restricted. Any exceptions will need prior approval from both the Chairman of the Selection Committee and the Head Coach. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary actions, including sanctions that could prevent players from participating in BCCI events, such as the Indian Premier League, and deductions from their fees.