The BCCI has sent a ten-point guideline document to India's contracted men's players in a bid to "promote discipline, unity and a positive team environment". It is an unprecedented response to a run of poor Test results and comes with a warning that "non-compliance" could result not just in disciplinary action, but heavier sanctions including exclusion from domestic cricket and the IPL, as well as deductions from central contract retainers. The policy will be effective immediately. The document, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, is titled 'Policy Document for Team India'. It was sent to the players on Thursday.  

The document was prepared by the BCCI, building on suggestions made at a review meeting last weekend with key decision-makers in Indian cricket. The review meeting was called by BCCI to assess India's poor run, starting with the home Test series defeat against New Zealand, where India lost 3-0, followed by the 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Present at the review meeting were head coach Gautam Gambhir, the Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

One of the most significant points discussed at that meeting concerned players not following protocols, which eventually hurt overall atmosphere in the dressing room. Instances were cited of players travelling on their own to series, some players travelling separately to the venue rather than in the team bus, and some players not spending enough time with the group at the team training sessions.Going forward, the BCCI has said, a player will need a "pre-approved" nod from the head coach or head selector to travel separately to and from matches and training sessions.

"Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion," the document said. Additionally, the BCCI has said players "are required to stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team." Going ahead a player cannot abort a tour or a series even if the match(es) finish earlier than planned. "This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics."

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)