New Delhi: In response to India’s disappointing performance in recent cricket series, including a 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stringent protocols aimed at promoting “discipline, unity, and a positive team environment.” The measures, detailed in a 10-point directive, were announced on Thursday, January 16, according to a report in Hindustan Times.
The BCCI has also appointed former Supreme Court judge Arun Mishra as its ombudsman and ethics officer, reported the Tribune. The assignment of politically sensitive cases to Mishra by successive chief justices of India was a major reason behind the press conference by four senior judges of the Supreme Court on January 12, 2018.
Justice Arun Mishra appointed BCCI ombudsman
Mishra, who served in the Supreme Court from July 2014 to September 2020, previously chaired the National Human Rights Commission from 2021 to 2024 and has adjudicated approximately 97,000 cases during his tenure in the high courts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Calcutta. Mishra also authored the judgment in the highly sensitive case of Sanjiv Rajendra Bhatt v Union of India and dismissed the plea by former Indian Police Service officer Sanjiv Bhatt seeking a fair, credible and independent probe into the two first information reports lodged against him by the Gujarat government.
Restrictions on personal staff, families and endorsements
Key provisions include mandatory participation in domestic cricket for players to remain eligible for national selection and central contracts. The move follows criticism of senior players, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, for not prioritising the Ranji Trophy, a factor blamed for India’s recent batting woes.
The BCCI has imposed limitations on the presence of families and personal staff during tours, permitting families to join players for only two weeks during overseas tours. Players are also required to travel with the team for matches and practice sessions, barring separate arrangements.
Furthermore, the board has prohibited players from engaging in personal endorsements or promotional activities during series or tours. Players will, however, be required to participate in official BCCI shoots and promotional events.
Sanctions for non-compliance
Non-compliance with the new guidelines could result in severe penalties, including bans from participating in the Indian Premier League and deductions from retainer amounts or match fees under the BCCI player contract. The policy mandates that exceptions must be pre-approved by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
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“Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the chairman of the selection committee and head coach. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI,” the board’s statement warned.