Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar break their silence on BCCI’s 10-point guidelines; discover the true mandate of the ultimatum

After India’s back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and Australiaand a steady decline in the quality of cricket on the field which began with a rare ODI series defeat against Sri Lankasome punitive actions by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in order to improve the condition of the players on the field.

The cricketing community has seen some sort of action taken by the BCCI recently by issuing a 10-point diktat for players that streamlines everything they do on and off the field; from cricket to the participation of their families during overseas tours. Reactions have been pouring in on this 10-point mandate since its announcement. However, the true nature of these new rules is only now being revealed.

What are BCCI’s 10-point guidelines?

The BCCI has introduced new guidelines aimed at strengthening team cohesion and discipline. Players must now participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for national selection, with exceptions allowed only in exceptional circumstances. The committee also emphasized team travel, prohibiting individual arrangements unless approved by the head coach and chairman of the selection committee. Personal staff, including hairdressers or nannies, are prohibited from tours unless approved by the BCCI. Players must stay with the team until the end of the series or tour, promoting bonding and continuity. Disciplinary measures, such as suspension or fines, will be imposed for non-compliance. The new family travel policy allows players’ families to join trips lasting over 45 days, with the BCCI covering the shared accommodation costs. In addition, players must adhere to baggage restrictions, attend full training sessions, avoid personal referrals during tours and prioritize BCCI activities.

Also read: ‘Why always him?’: Fans react to selectors’ decision to pick Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson in India’s Champions Trophy squad

Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar’s reaction to the new rules

Chief selector of the Indian cricket team Ajit Agarkar and captain of the Indian team Rohit Sharma they recently made their first public appearance since the BCCI announced these guidelines. When asked for their views on the new rules, two Indian cricket leaders made some startling comments that highlighted the true nature of the new rules.

“Who told you about these rules? Did it come from an official hand? Let him come, and we will talk” said Rohit, visibly annoyed by a reporter who asked him about the new guidelines during a press conference.

Agarkar’s reaction was also far from ideal and equally stunned the cricketing community. “I think every team has certain rules. We’ve talked about various things that you’ve seen over the last few months where we can improve as a team and get closer as a team. In the last few months, we saw the need for some changes, more bonding in the team,” said the former Indian pacer.

However, he further said that it is not a school punishment for the players and that the rules are meant to have some boundaries in the team since these players are superstars in their own right.

“It’s not a school, it’s not a punishment. You just have some rules and when you play for the national team, you just stick to the rules. They are mature people. They are superstars in their own right in international sports. They know how to handle themselves,” Agarkar added further.

The Indian team will play against England in a five-match T20I and 3-match ODI series starting January 22 before leaving for the United Arab Emirates to play their 2025 Champions Trophy matches.

Also read: Rohit Sharma explains why Mohammed Siraj was not picked in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad.