Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly introduced a 10-point policy to be followed strictly by its centrally contracted players. In case of any breach without intimation or permission, players will face serious sanctions, irrespective of their stature.
The policy has been framed after a string of poor performances by the Indian team from October to January, which saw them losing six of the eight Tests matches and thereby failing to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final for the first time since its inception.
After a rare 0-3 series sweep at home against New Zealand, India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in 10 years courtesy a 1-3 defeat in the five-match series Down Under.
The BCCI decided it was time to crack the whip.
A ten-point guideline document has been to the contracted players in a bid to “promote discipline, unity and a positive team environment.”
The document, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, is titled ‘Policy Document for Team India’, stresses that players must strictly adhere to the guidelines and warns that in case of any non-compliance, there will be disciplinary action, including exclusion from domestic cricket and IPL, and deductions from central contract retainership fees.
“The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player for participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League and deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI player contract.” ESPNcricinfo quoted from the BCCI notification.
BCCI further said implementing such measures “ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to established policies and prioritising Indian cricket.”
10-POINT POLICY FOR CENTRALLY CONTRACTED PLAYERS
* All contracted players have to play domestic cricket to be eligible for selection to national team
* Everyone has to travel with the team
* Restriction on families accompanying players on tour – they can be around for a maximum two weeks on long tours
* During a series or tour, no player allowed to engage in personal shoots or endorsements without permission
* Players have to share rooms with teammates, special accommodation will be allowed only when family members are present.
* Luggage restrictions to be followed, any additional baggage to be paid for by players
* Limited personal staff with players, that too, with BCCI’s permission
* All players must travel together after practice sessions
* After a match or series ends, all players must travel with team and return together
* All players must be available for BCCI meetings and events.
