Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be impacted by BCCI's new rules and regulations

India’s biggest cricket stars captain Rohit Sharma, batter Virat Kohli, and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be most affected by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new 10-point guidelines. The directives, issued on Thursday, aim to promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment. Although the guidelines do not name specific players, it is clear that these top players will face some challenges in adhering to them.

Most significant changes, which will directly impact the trio

Mandatory Participation in Domestic Matches: BCCI has made it compulsory for international players to participate in domestic competitions, unless injured or granted permission by the coach and selectors. Rohit last played in domestic cricket in 2016, Kohli in 2012, and Bumrah in 2018, meaning this policy will affect them the most.

Team Travel Policy: Players are now expected to travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged, and any exceptions must be pre-approved by the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee. Kohli has often travelled separately with the family, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak. Even during the Australia tour, he and Jasprit Bumrah were the only players who traveled separately with their families.

Ban on Personal Brand Promotions: BCCI has issued a ban on players participating in personal brand promotions or shoots during tours. This is designed to ensure players remain focused on cricket and avoid distractions. Given the commercial commitments of high-profile players like Kohli, Rohit, and Bumrah, this could prove challenging.

Family Travel Policy: BCCI’s new family travel policy allows only partners and children under 18 to travel with players when overseas tours exceed 45 days. The family stay is capped at 14 days. This new guideline is a significant shift, as top players like Kohli, Rohit, and Bumrah have frequently had their families accompany them for the entire duration of their tours.

Staying with the Team for Entire Tour: Players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the tour or series, regardless of whether matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity and prevents disruptions to team dynamics. Kohli and Rohit, in particular, have been known to return home early, especially during home Test series when matches end early.

These changes reflect BCCI’s efforts to ensure discipline and unity within the Indian team.

Click here to read article