The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently changed some of the rules after the disastrous Test series loss to Australia, which upset former Indian batter and commentator Aakash Chopra.
It is noteworthy that the BCCI has implemented regulations regarding travel and accommodations for players. Among the most significant modifications is the restriction on players’ families’ attendance on lengthy tours.
Under the new rules, wives of players will only be allowed to travel with the squad for a maximum of two weeks on trips longer than forty-five days, with shorter tours granting a one-week stay.
All players must travel only on the team bus, a requirement that startled Chopra. The BCCI has also tightened rules around player transportation and baggage allotment.
“The team bus will have to be used for all player travel.” I think this one is very funny. Wasn’t it the standard all the time? If that’s no longer the case, isn’t it worthwhile to find out who altered that? On X (Twitter), he wrote, “And why.”
‘All Players Will Have to Travel On The Team Bus’
Finding this one most amusing. Wasn’t that always the norm???
If it isn’t the case anymore…it’s worth finding out who changed that?? And why??— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 14, 2025
Why do you think the board should cover extra baggage? Aakash Chopra
The distribution of baggage allowances was another concern brought up by Chopra. The BCCI will cover a player’s baggage up to 150 kilogrammes while on tour under the new regulations. The player is responsible for covering any additional weight over this cap, though.
I was also intrigued by the fact that BCCI would cover up to 150 kilogrammes of player baggage. Additional fees will be covered by the player. Why would a cricket tour require more than 150 kilogrammes of luggage? The maximum weight of a cricket gear bag is 40 kilogrammes. 15 bats will weigh less than 20 kg. 110 kg? 🫣 yet it appears like some people won’t even be able to wear that much! In any case, why would you want the board to cover more baggage than that?” he continued.
Reports of internal strife have surfaced, and the squad has been reflecting as a result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss. The squad’s performance in the forthcoming 2025 Champions Trophy may determine head coach Gautam Gambhir’s future, according to rumours that have raised doubts about the role of team management.
A 3-0 home loss to New Zealand and an ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka are just two of the recent setbacks for the Rohit Sharma-led team. The team did not advance to the WTC 2023–25 cycle finals either.