The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a stringent 10-point directive aimed at fostering discipline, unity, and a secure team environment. These regulations will come into effect during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, marking a significant shift in how the Indian cricket team operates. The move comes in response to reports of a fragmented team atmosphere during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, prompting the board to implement sweeping changes, many of which were reportedly influenced by head coach Gautam Gambhir.
However, even Gautam Gambhir himself has not been spared from these new rules. One of the key restrictions prohibits personal assistants or managers of support staff from traveling in the team bus or staying in the same hotel as the players. This rule has already affected Gambhir’s personal assistant, who was frequently seen by his side during the Australia tour. The BCCI, determined to prevent a recurrence of such access, has ensured that the assistant now stays in a different hotel during the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Reports suggest that even during India’s home series against England, the same personal assistant was spotted at every venue despite the newly imposed restrictions. BCCI insiders expressed their frustration over the unchecked presence of non-team personnel, questioning how an outsider gained access to exclusive areas such as the team’s designated breakfast zone at a five-star facility.
A BCCI official voiced concerns over the assistant’s involvement, highlighting incidents from the Australia tour. “Why was his PA sitting in a vehicle meant for national selectors? Such private discussions cannot take place in the presence of an unknown third person. Why was he given space in the BCCI hospitality box in Adelaide?” the official questioned, reflecting the board’s growing unease over potential information leaks.
However, even Gautam Gambhir himself has not been spared from these new rules. One of the key restrictions prohibits personal assistants or managers of support staff from traveling in the team bus or staying in the same hotel as the players. This rule has already affected Gambhir’s personal assistant, who was frequently seen by his side during the Australia tour. The BCCI, determined to prevent a recurrence of such access, has ensured that the assistant now stays in a different hotel during the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Reports suggest that even during India’s home series against England, the same personal assistant was spotted at every venue despite the newly imposed restrictions. BCCI insiders expressed their frustration over the unchecked presence of non-team personnel, questioning how an outsider gained access to exclusive areas such as the team’s designated breakfast zone at a five-star facility.
A BCCI official voiced concerns over the assistant’s involvement, highlighting incidents from the Australia tour. “Why was his PA sitting in a vehicle meant for national selectors? Such private discussions cannot take place in the presence of an unknown third person. Why was he given space in the BCCI hospitality box in Adelaide?” the official questioned, reflecting the board’s growing unease over potential information leaks.
