Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has reacted to the guidelines issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the players. He praised the governing body for taking the drastic steps, saying the players were out of control and the board was forced to take this step.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the team’s poor performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held a review meeting. The meeting was held in Mumbai last week in the presence of Indian national cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.
The BCCI has released a 10-point directive for centrally contracted players
After that the BCCI released a 10-point directive for central contract players. The governing body has taken harsh steps and restricted the players in several things. The top of all guidelines was that all players should play domestic cricket to be in contention for selection in the Indian team.
In addition, the BCCI has also implemented restrictions on family travel, baggage allowance, restrictions on personal staff, filming of advertisements and a ban on players returning home if matches end early. If this happens, disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on the players.
Speaking about the same, Mohammad Kaif urged the players not to be friends with the media. He emphasized that the players should not trust anyone and must be careful not to cross the line. Speaking in a video posted on his Twitter account, he explained:
“A player must understand that the media is not his friend. Not at all. Do not trust the media. Do not share anything with them. The job of the media is simple, if you play well, they will praise you, if you play badly, they will say bad things about you. Nobody is your friend .
“The biggest hypocrisy is in the media. Because they are not your friends. Your real friend is your bat. You will play if you make runs. You will play if you take wickets. It is your duty to run. Don’t trust anyone. They will reveal the news to whom the line is talking to .”
No one is greater than cricket and discipline – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif added that BCCI had done a lot of things for the players but the players had crossed the line, hence the governing body was forced to take a step. He added that no one is bigger than cricket and therefore discipline is necessary. He elaborated:
“The BCCI guidelines were announced but they were announced after the players exercised their freedom. BCCI gave you respect, money and fame. BCCI made you a hero in a tournament like IPL.
“BCCI is doing a lot for the players. They are forced to take this step. The players are out of control. They cannot control their freedom. Some players are in a private plane. Some are late for training. Some don’t some have a private chef. Some have a security guard. We gave them the opportunity to take this step. I think that’s what happens after you lose. You will be back.
“Once you start winning, everything will be hidden. Everyone will be your friend. Even then you have to remember what is the limit you cannot cross. You have to play within that limit. No one is bigger than cricket and discipline. This is my request to the players .” Mohammad Kaif said.
Players should know their limits with the media!#KriketSKaifom11 #Indian team pic.twitter.com/seUrW3RlAr
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 17, 2025
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar to justify selection for Indian squad to be announced …..
