During the Champions Trophy team announcement press conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma was annoyed when he was questioned about a series of new regulations that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was allegedly introducing. According to India Today, following consecutive series of defeats to Australia and New Zealand, the BCCI has instituted a new set of regulations to instill "discipline and unity" within the national squad.
Domestic cricket participation is now required for selection to the national squad by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) following the new 10-point guideline set. Other important restrictions include prohibiting contracted players from traveling with personal staff during tours, including personal security guards, stylists, hairdressers, and cooks.
When the Indian captain Rohit Sharma was questioned about the new regulations, he replied angrily, "Who has told you about these rules? Has it come from the official handle? Let it come, and we will talk." The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has mandated domestic cricket participation for the selection of the national team, by the new 10-point system outlined.
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No contractual players will be permitted to accompany personal workers on tours, including personal security guards, stylists, hairdressers, or cooks, among other important safeguards. Strict restrictions have also been placed by the board on family members traveling with players. To maintain discipline and team cohesiveness, no player will be permitted to take individual transportation to practice or games.
New regulations are not punishment - Ajit Agarkar
The new regulations, however, are not punishment, according to Ajit Agarkar, the head of the selectors. The new regulations were established by the BCCI following India's poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 in Australia. Australia defeated the team captained by Rohit Sharma 1-3 in the five-Test series. "I think every team has some rules in place. We have spoken about various things. We have seen in the last few months the need for some changes, more bonding in the team," Agarkar said, responding to the 10-point BCCI guidelines for national men's team players.
The new rules will go into effect for India's upcoming international fixture, a white-ball home series against England, on January 22. On February 20, the squad captained by Rohit Sharma will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh. India will take a plane to Dubai for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19, once the white ball series is over.