BCCI Limits Family Time on Tours After Coach Gautam Gambhir’s Suggestion

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has limited family time on tours following a suggestion by head coach Gautam Gambhir.
2. This decision was made after India’s disappointing performance in Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia.
3. Gambhir aimed to improve discipline in the team by restricting the time players’ families could spend on tours.
4. The new rules specify 14 days of family time for events lasting 45 days or more, and 7 days for shorter tours.
5. A suggestion was also made to base match fee distribution on player performance rather than distributing fees immediately.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Gautam Gambhir’s Disciplinary Measures Following India’s underperformance in recent Test series, including losses to New Zealand and Australia, BCCI decided to limit family time during international tours. This move was introduced after head coach Gautam Gambhir advocated for more strict discipline within the team. The recent poor showing, particularly under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and the coaching of Gambhir, led to this decision aimed at streamlining the team’s focus and improving performance.

New Rules for Family Time According to the updated guidelines, if a tour or tournament spans 45 days or more, players will only be permitted to spend up to 14 days with their families. Shorter tours will allow only a week of family interaction. This new approach aligns with Gambhir’s view that too much family time could be distracting, particularly during extended tours. This shift reverts to pre-COVID protocols that limited family stays during international cricket tours, ensuring that the team remains focused on improving its discipline and overall performance.

Addressing Indiscipline in the Dressing Room Sources revealed that Gambhir took the opportunity during a review meeting to address the rising concerns of indiscipline within the Indian dressing room, especially following the team’s defeat in the Border-Gavaskar series. Team members were reportedly seen spending time outside official team events during the Australian tour, which raised alarms within the BCCI. One specific example cited was the absence of a team dinner, which only occurred once throughout the entire Australia tour of November 2024-January 2025. This behavioral issue raised concerns about player priorities and commitment.

Revised Match Fee Distribution Not only was family time reduced, but a senior India player also suggested during a meeting with BCCI president Roger Binny that the distribution of match fees be restructured. It was proposed that match fees should no longer be distributed immediately after a game. Instead, players’ performance would determine the payment. The proposal reflects an ongoing push within BCCI to ensure that players stay motivated and committed, both in domestic matches and while representing the national team.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. BCCI has limited family time on tours following Gautam Gambhir’s recommendation.
2. The policy change aims to enhance team discipline and focus.
3. The move targets better management of extended tours with fewer distractions.
4. Match fees will now depend on player performance to reinforce accountability.

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