The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a set of 10 guidelines following the Australian tour. These guidelines, which were observed during the recent England series, will also be followed during any foreign tour, such as the Champions Trophy 2025.
The BCCI's seriousness about these guidelines is evident from how they handle accommodations for personal staff. Gautam Gambhir's personal assistant (PA), who was with him in Australia, drawing the ire of BCCI officials, has been quietly instructed not to stay in the same hotel as the players.
A PTI report claims that a coaching staff member's personal secretary (PA), regularly staying at the team hotel, now stays separately. He was notably present during England's home series.
While the report does not mention Gambhir by name, no coaching staff member other than the head coach travels with a PA. Moreover, the frequent presence of Gambhir's PA at important team meetings in Australia had displeased BCCI officials.
An irate official told PTI: Why was their PA sitting in the car intended for national selectors? They cannot have private discussions in a car with an unknown third party. Why was he allotted a seat in BCCI's hospitality box in Adelaide?
The official also questioned how the PA was having breakfast in a five-star hotel’s restricted area meant exclusively for team members.
Source: aajtak
Rapid Changes During England Series
Things changed rapidly during the home series against England. Gambhir's PA was present at India’s match venues but kept distance from players and official events. Now staying in a different hotel, this is a direct impact of BCCI's order.
No Family for Players During Champions Trophy
India's top cricket stars (Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul) made themselves available for the Ranji Trophy matches following BCCI’s strict instructions, and the board has reminded players about the travel guidelines for overseas tours. Some guidelines already applied during the home series against England will be fully implemented at the Champions Trophy, as this will be India's first foreign tour since the BCCI issued these instructions.
The most notable change is the absence of family members traveling with players. In past foreign tours, including ICC events, many top cricketers were accompanied by family members, but this will no longer be the case.
Given that the tour is slightly over three weeks, with a final on March 9, BCCI will not allow families to accompany players. Under the new guidelines, families can stay with players for a maximum of two weeks during tours lasting 45 days or more.
Rules Equal for Every Player...
No exceptions will be made for any player. However, the board is still considering whether players should be allowed to bring their families at their own expense.
Restrictions are also placed on private staff (managers, agents, chefs), who previously traveled with the team and coaching group. It is believed that BCCI might try to recruit some chefs to cater to the special dietary needs of certain players.
