'This is incredible because...' - Former India cricketer praises BCCI for urging players to participate in domestic cricket

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra is quite happy with the new BCCI guidelines, which specify that the players will have to play domestic tournaments when they are available. Since the players were avoiding playing in the domestic games, the Board made it compulsory, earning praise from former players and critics. It is one of the major decisions taken by the BCCI in the review meeting held with head coach Gautam Gambhir. 

"A rule has been made that if you are available, which means you are not playing for the Indian cricket team, aren't injured, and the BCCI or the NCA haven't said that they are managing your workload, you don't have any rhyme or reason to say you aren't ready for a domestic game. That option is not there. This is incredible because it was almost a norm for a long time. This thing has started pinching slightly and it has been told that domestic cricket needs to be given a little importance. Everyone is now being forced to go and play," said Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel. 

Apart from this, the Board has also barred the players from taking their wives and family members on the tours with them. Now, they can only stay for a week or two, and the players will have to cover the expenses, including travel and stay.

BCCI to offer personal chefs for Team India: Reports

As per reports, the Board will be sending two personal chefs with the Indian team for the upcoming tours because taking their own chefs isn't allowed now. They have barred personal assistants and chefs from traveling with the team. The players will have to adhere to the rules, or they'll be banned from one game of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). 

"The team has been given an option where the board will arrange two chefs for the players' needs. However, there will be discussions around the specific needs of the players and what more can be done. Certain players have to be extra careful with their diet, especially if they have overcome serious injuries which requires watching their weight and other vitals. These chefs are very particular about the quality of ingredients used in cooking the meals. BCCI is trying to work around it to ensure premium food quality for its players," a BCCI source told TOI.