Mousumi's Report: Following India’s defeat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024 - 25 against Australia, the BCCI has introduced strict rules for players and coaching staff. The new guidelines aim to ensure discipline, enhance performance and prepare the team for upcoming challenges, including the next World Test Championship cycle.

India’s Performance Under Scrutiny

India’s loss to Australia (3-2) marked the end of a decade - long dominance in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. This defeat coupled with an earlier series loss to New Zealand has prompted the BCCI to take serious steps to address issues within the team. A review meeting was held in Mumbai chaired by BCCI President Roger Binny, alongside Vice President Rajeev Shukla, Secretary Devajit Saikia, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Captain Rohit Sharma.

The discussion focused on identifying shortcomings in team strategy, planning and execution with the aim of restructuring for the next phase.

New Rules for Cricketers and Staff

1. Family Time Restrictions

   - For tournaments lasting over 45 days player’s families can stay with them for only 14 days.

   - For shorter tournaments the limit is reduced to 7 days.

   - Player’s spouses or family members are prohibited from staying throughout the tournament.

2. Travel and Accommodation

   - All players must travel in the team bus.

   - Personal travel arrangements are not allowed.

   - Head Coach Gautam Gambhir will no longer have access to VIP boxes for his manager or separate hotel arrangements.

3. Baggage Policy

   - Any luggage exceeding 150 kg will incur additional charges to be borne by the players themselves.

Reasons Behind the Stricter Rules

Reports suggest that during the Australia series some players including Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah traveled separately with their families. This raised concerns about team unity. The lack of collective celebrations even after winning the Perth Test highlighted these issues further.

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Future Plans

With the next World Test Championship cycle starting in upcoming June 2025 India will tour England for a five match Test series. The new rules are part of a long term plan to rebuild the team’s focus and ensure success on international stages.