BCCI introduces stringent policy guidelines for Team India on travel, baggage, and family visits

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a set of detailed guidelines aimed at improving discipline, simplifying logistics, and fostering team unity for the Senior Men’s Cricket Team during domestic and international tours. The new policy encompasses regulations on travel, baggage allowances, family visits, and the presence of personal staff.

The BCCI mandates that all players travel together with the team for matches and practice sessions. Individual travel arrangements with families are strongly discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions to this rule require prior approval from the head coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee.

“All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion,” stated the BCCI.

To streamline logistics, specific baggage limits have been introduced:

• Long overseas tours (over 30 days):
  • Players: 5 pieces (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or up to 150 kg.
  • Support staff: 3 pieces (2 large suitcases + 1 small) or up to 80 kg.
• Short overseas tours (less than 30 days):
  • Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or up to 120 kg.
  • Support staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) or up to 60 kg.
• Home series:
  • Players: 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) or up to 120 kg.
  • Support staff: 2 pieces (2 suitcases) or up to 60 kg.

Players are responsible for costs incurred due to excess baggage.

The policy limits the presence of personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel during tours. Exceptions are granted only with explicit approval from the BCCI to reduce logistical complications and maintain focus on team operations.

A balanced approach to family visits has been adopted also:

• Eligibility: Players on overseas tours lasting over 45 days can invite their partners and children (under 18) for a single visit of up to two weeks per series.
• Provisions: The BCCI covers shared accommodation for the visit period, while all other expenses are borne by the player.
• Coordination: Visits must occur at a single, pre-agreed time coordinated with the coach, captain, and GM Operations.
• Exceptions: Any deviation from this policy requires pre-approval. Expenses beyond the specified visit period will not be covered by the BCCI.

Players are required to remain with the team until the official conclusion of a tour or series, even if matches finish earlier than scheduled. This is designed to promote team unity and ensure consistency in team dynamics.

“Players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, regardless of whether matches conclude earlier than planned,” the policy noted.

Players must coordinate with team management when transferring equipment or personal items to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Any separate arrangements must be covered by the players themselves.