The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been implementing several new regulations for players and staff members in preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Beyond ensuring that international cricketers prioritise domestic tournaments, the governing body has taken steps to instill discipline and maintain unity within the team.
One of the latest reports indicates that cricketers’ families may not be permitted to accompany them for the event, given its duration of less than a month. Additionally, in keeping with accommodation guidelines for personal staff, the personal assistant of India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was discreetly relocated to a different hotel than the team.
According to sources, a personal secretary who was frequently seen staying at the team hotel has now been accommodated elsewhere, although he continues to be present at every match venue. A BCCI official expressed concerns over the individual’s proximity to the team, highlighting that his constant presence, including travel and VIP seating alongside selectors, created an uncomfortable environment where important discussions could not be held in privacy.
Frustration was evident as questions arose regarding the assistant’s privileges, such as his presence in vehicles meant for national selectors, his access to BCCI’s hospitality box in Adelaide and his ability to dine in restricted areas meant exclusively for team members. These instances have reportedly caused disruptions, prompting the board to reinforce strict guidelines in the presence of non-team personnel.
Meanwhile, the Indian team has finalised its squad for the Champions Trophy and recently completed a dominant home ODI series against England, securing a clean 3-0 sweep. Emerging talent Shubman Gill delivered an outstanding performance, earning the Player of the Series title in the three-match encounter.
