BCCI’s New SOP Guidelines for Champions Trophy-Bound Players-Strict Compliance Required

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally laid down a set of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Indian cricket team, making them non-negotiable. These guidelines, primarily focused on discipline, travel, and logistical arrangements, have been put in place to maintain professionalism, unity, and operational efficiency during international tours.

BCCI Enforces Non-Negotiable SOPs for Players

The SOPs were officially communicated to the players in the recent third ODI at Ahmedabad, a bold move by the BCCI to impose more discipline and get things in order. The new rules address a variety of areas, including travel, limits on personal entourage, family presence during tours, and even commercial activities.

Hyderabad Cricket Association secretary R Devraj has been appointed as team manager for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, which is scheduled from February 19 to March 9. He has been specifically asked to enforce these rules strictly. A senior team official reiterated the board's strict stand, "There is no going back on this. The players have been made aware that BCCI is very serious about the SOPs."

Restrictions on Personal Entourages

The most glaring change in the SOPs is the limitation imposed on players in bringing their personal entourages on tours. Cricketers in the past were typically accompanied by a retinue of personnel, including managers, personal chefs, nannies, and security officers. The new policy now strictly limits such privileges, requiring explicit sanction from the BCCI for any exemptions.

The policy states-

"Personal staff (personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security officers) are to be restricted on tours or series unless approved specifically by the BCCI. This will maintain concentration on team functioning and minimize logistic inconveniences."

This step is aimed at ensuring that the Indian team behaves as a cohesive unit without any distraction, keeping professionalism and team behavior in view.

Regulations on Family Visits During Tours

The second significant point in the revised guidelines is the prohibition on the presence of players' family members. Previously, the players used to have their spouse and children accompany them for extended durations during overseas depositions. The revised SOPs place restrictions on such visits based on the tour duration.

According to the regulations-

"Out players who are overseas for more than 45 days can have with them their spouse and children (under 18) once for a series (format-wise) for up to two weeks."

Since the Champions Trophy tournament spans four weeks, families of the players will not be able to accompany them. This order has been given in order to bring team focus and reduce distractions.

Mandatory Team Practice and Travel Regulations

The BCCI has also framed strict travel and practice rules in order to infuse discipline and unity within the team. The players would have to make trips together by means of the team bus to all practice sessions as well as games, eradicating personal usage of their automobiles.

The rule explicitly states-

"All players must accompany the team to and from training sessions and games. Independent family travel is discouraged in order to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions, if any, must be sanctioned beforehand by the head coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee."

Moreover, the players must be present during the duration of practice sessions that are scheduled and travel in groups to and from the stadium. Any such violation of the rules will be taken seriously by the BCCI as they want to create a healthy work culture within the team.

Ban on Commercial Endorsements During Tours

To prevent distractions in crucial series, the BCCI has introduced a rule that doesn't allow players to engage in personal commercial activities during tours. This includes personal endorsements, photo shoots, and commercials.

The directive reads-

"Players cannot undertake personal shoots or endorsements in an ongoing series or tour. This avoids distractions and maintains the concentration of the players on cricket and team responsibilities."

This restriction is to ensure that players dedicate their full attention to their game and national team responsibilities.

Implementation Begins With Champions Trophy 2025

With the BCCI putting out a definitive statement that these rules are not negotiable, the players are now bound by these terms of the Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian team is scheduled to leave for Dubai on February 15, with their first match against Bangladesh on February 20. Their much-anticipated match against Pakistan is on February 23, followed by their last league-stage match against New Zealand on March 2.

In the event that the team qualifies to the knockout stage, the semifinal match will be on March 4, while the final will be played on March 9.

A Step Towards More Professionalism

The introduction of these SOPs reflects the BCCI’s commitment to fostering a more disciplined and professional environment within Team India. While these rules may pose challenges for some players, the board believes they will help create a more focused and unified team, ultimately benefiting Indian cricket in the long run.

By having these immoveable guidelines, the players will be compelled to adapt swiftly, so that they can adhere to the new structure as they set out to play one of the biggest world cricket tournaments.