Mumbai, India – February 14, 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a strict 10-point policy aimed at fostering discipline, unity, and a positive team environment within the Indian cricket team. These new regulations, set to be enforced from the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, mark a significant shift in team management protocols.
Among those impacted by these changes is India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose personal assistant (PA) has been barred from staying in the team hotel or traveling with the squad. The move comes in response to recent concerns over team cohesion and dressing room leaks, particularly following India’s tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
BCCI’s Rationale: Strengthening Team Discipline and Confidentiality
The BCCI’s crackdown follows reports of a ‘divided team environment’ during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where alleged leaks from the dressing room became a recurring issue. The new policies aim to restrict unauthorized personnel from accessing players, coaching staff, and team management during tours.
Key directives under the new policy include:
✔ No personal assistants or managers for support staff: Only BCCI-authorized personnel will be allowed to travel with the team.
✔ No unauthorized personnel in team hotels: PAs, agents, or personal managers of players and coaches will no longer be accommodated in the same hotel.
✔ Restrictions on personal chefs, hair stylists, and agents: Players must rely on BCCI-provided services during tours.
✔ No family members during the Champions Trophy: Players’ spouses, partners, and children will not be allowed to accompany them. If an exception is granted, the player must bear the cost of travel and accommodation.
Gambhir’s PA Banned from Team Hotel and Restricted from Official Spaces
Gambhir, who was the only coaching staff member to have a personal assistant accompany him during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been directly affected by the new rules. His PA, who frequently stayed at the team hotel and was seen at multiple venues, has now been moved to a separate accommodation facility for the England home series and will be restricted from Champions Trophy access.
A BCCI official, speaking to PTI, criticized the previous setup, questioning:
“Why was his PA sitting in the car designated for national selectors? They need to discuss team matters in private without an unknown third person present. Why was he allotted space in BCCI’s hospitality box in Adelaide?”
Further concerns were raised about unauthorized access to players’ restricted zones:
“How did he have breakfast in the cordoned-off area of a five-star facility meant exclusively for team members?”
The BCCI is taking preventive steps to avoid similar breaches during the Champions Trophy, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to team discussions and logistics.
The Crackdown on ‘Leaks’ and Unauthorized Access
Leaks from the Indian team’s dressing room have been a growing concern for the board. During the Australia tour, sensitive team matters became public multiple times, leading to concerns over internal discord and unauthorized dissemination of confidential strategies.
The BCCI’s new policy is designed to:
- Eliminate potential sources of dressing room leaks by restricting non-official personnel.
- Maintain a focused team environment, free from external distractions.
- Ensure that players and coaching staff operate within a secure and disciplined structure.
Impact on Players: Family and Personal Staff Restrictions
The BCCI’s new regulations extend beyond coaching staff, placing strict restrictions on players as well.
✔ No family members during Champions Trophy: Players will not be allowed to bring their spouses or partners unless they cover their own expenses.
✔ No personal managers, chefs, or stylists: Players must adhere to team-approved support staff for food, grooming, and other personal requirements.
Previously, some senior players had their personal nutritionists or stylists accompany them during major tournaments. However, the BCCI is now standardizing team support services to maintain uniformity and prevent distractions.
A Shift in Indian Cricket’s Management Style
The BCCI’s move marks a clear departure from past tour policies, signaling a stronger emphasis on discipline and confidentiality. The board’s decision to enforce these changes before the ICC Champions Trophy suggests a broader cultural shift within Indian cricket, ensuring that:
- The team environment remains unified and free from external influences.
- Players focus solely on performance and preparation, without external distractions.
- Confidential team strategies remain protected from leaks.