Page 40 - The Indian EYE 012425

SPORTS JANUARY 24, 2025 | The Indian Eye 40

After debacle Down Under,

BCCI cracks the whip and amends

new policy for Team India

The board makes it “mandatory” for players to participate in domestic

matches, limits travel and baggage as well as family time during tours

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai
ince Team India conceded a
disappointing 3-1 defeat to Aus-
Stralia in the recently concluded
Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
and lost the opportunity to qualify for
the World Test Championship (WTC)
Final at Lord’s, there have been de-
mands for some action.
Now, the Board of Control for
Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday
released new policies for Team India,
making it “mandatory” to participate
in domestic matches to remain “eli-
gible” for selection in the national
team and for the central contracts.
In the policy, BCCI stated that
taking part in domestic cricket will
remain connected to the cricket eco-
system. The statement added that
any exceptions to taking part in do-
mestic cricket will be considered only
under extraordinary circumstances.
“Participation in Domestic
Matches is mandatory for players to
remain eligible for selection in the
national team and for central con-
tracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This
policy ensures that players remain
connected to the domestic cricket
ecosystem, fostering talent develop-
ment, maintaining match fitness, and
strengthening the overall domestic
structure. It also inspires emerging
players by providing them oppor-
tunities to compete alongside top Indian cricket team Head coach Gautam Gambhir, players Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah at Sydney Cricket Ground
cricketers, ensuring continuity in tal- ahead of the last Test match of the series which India lost badly (ANI)
ent progression. Any exceptions to
this mandate will be considered only cricketer won’t be permitted to en- “Players are not permitted to en- ed that all the players are required to
under extraordinary circumstances gage in “personal shoots or endorse- gage in personal shoots or endorse- stay for the entire duration of sched-
and will require formal notification ments” during series or tour. In the ments during series or tour. This uled practice sessions and travel to-
and approval from the Chairman of statement, BCCI stated that the de- avoids distractions and ensures that gether to and from the venue. BCCI
the Selection Committee, ensuring cision to stop players from “person- the players’ focus remains on crick- added that it will ensure a strong
fairness and transparency in the pro- al shoots or endorsements” during et and team responsibilities,” BCCI work ethic within the team.
cess,” BCCI said in a statement. series or tour will ensure that their stated. “All players are required to stay
The Board also stated that the focus remains on cricket. The statement from BCCI stat- Continued on next page... >>

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