The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that it is leaving no room for deviation from its new guidelines aimed at ensuring discipline, unity, and a positive team environment. A striking example of the board’s strict enforcement is the recent decision to relocate India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir’s personal assistant to a separate hotel, away from the players and support staff.
Gambhir’s PA, who reportedly drew the ire of BCCI officials during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, was seen accompanying the former cricketer in multiple team-related spaces, including official team gatherings. His unrestricted access during the series, including instances where he was present in a car reserved for national selectors and even found in the BCCI’s hospitality box in Adelaide, had raised concerns among officials. Additionally, questions were raised regarding his presence in areas meant exclusively for players and coaching staff, such as the breakfast lounge.
The home series against England saw swift action, with Gambhir’s PA maintaining distance from the players and staying at a different hotel, indicating a direct implementation of the board’s newly introduced regulations. While he was still present at match venues, his limited access was a reflection of BCCI’s efforts to streamline the roles of non-cricketing personnel.
The crackdown on personal staff is part of a broader set of rules introduced by BCCI ahead of the Champions Trophy, where the new regulations will be enforced in their entirety. One of the most significant changes pertains to family members accompanying players on overseas tours. In previous ICC events and foreign tours, top cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, were often joined by their families. However, under the new policy, families will not be allowed to travel with players during the Champions Trophy.
As per the guidelines, family members can accompany players for a maximum of two weeks on tours lasting 45 days or more. Since the Champions Trophy spans just over three weeks, including the final on March 9, families will not be permitted. The board is still deliberating whether to allow players to take their families at their own expense.
In addition to families, strict restrictions have been imposed on personal staff such as managers, agents, and chefs, who were previously permitted to travel with the team. However, to meet the special dietary requirements of certain players, BCCI is in discussions to onboard professional chefs under its own supervision.
With these stringent measures in place, BCCI has signaled a significant shift in team management, reinforcing discipline and ensuring a focused environment as India gears up for the Champions Trophy.
