BCCI bans shoots during series, restricts personal staff for cricketers in policy review | Details here

Aiming to bring discipline in the Indian Cricket Team and improve players' performances, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday announced restrictions on personal staff and the presence of players' families on tours in a new policy, PTI reported.

In addition, the BCCI made it mandatory for players to participate in domestic matches, adding that exceptions would only be given under extraordinary circumstances.

Not only this, the BCCI imposed restrictions on players from engaging in personal shoots or endorsements during ongoing series or tour, added the report.

BCCI's 10-point policy to promote 'discipline and unity' has arrived in the wake of the team's disastrous tour of Australia which was preceded by a series whitewash against New Zealand at home.

Here's what BCCI's new policy says:

1) Restrictions on personal staff and the presence of players' families on tours.

2) BCCI approved only a two-week window for families to stay with the players during overseas tours.

3) Participation in domestic matches is mandatory for players. Exceptions only under extraordinary circumstances.

4) Players can't engage in personal shoots or endorsements during ongoing series or tour.

5) From now on, players won't be allowed to travel separately during a tour and would also be discouraged from leaving early in case a tour or a match ends early.

6) All players are expected to adhere strictly to guidelines. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action and sanctions.

7) Sanctions include cuts in their retainer fee from central contracts and a bar on participating in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

8) BCCI opined the measures will ensure accountability, reinforce importance of adhering to established policies and prioritising Indian cricket.

9) "Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and Head Coach. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI," the Board policy states.

10) "Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League; and deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract," it warns.

With agency inputs.