India's disastrous Australian run: BCCI issues 10-point diktat for squad
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Representational.
Mumbai: The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a 10-point policy to promote discipline and unity among the members of the Indian cricket squad.
The measures have been announced in the wake of the team's disastrous tour of Australia, during which it surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. The debacle was preceded by a series of whitewashes against a relatively under-strength New Zealand at home, PTI reported.
It is learnt that the restrictions were sought by head coach Gautam Gambhir in a review meeting of the team's recent poor run. Non-compliance would invite sanctions, including cuts in the players' retainer fee from central contracts and a bar on participating in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.
The 10 diktats make it mandatory for players to seek Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar's approval for any relaxation, including the duration of stay for their families on tour. Further, it makes domestic cricket mandatory for all national players and bans individual commercial endorsements during ongoing series.
The Board has approved only a two-week window for families to stay with the players during overseas tours that exceed 45 days, besides imposing restrictions on personal staff and commercial shoots.
By the look of things, the BCCI seems to have completely backed Gambhir's stance during the review meeting that took place last weekend.
Terming the measures as a way of "ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series", the policy, which is in possession of PTI, could prove to be a landmark document.