Former Australian cricketer Ian Healy spoke about BCCI’s move to make things disciplined in Indian cricket. He said the way they presented the guidelines meant they admitted they had let discipline slip away from the team.
The Indian cricket team has been in the headlines for the past few weeks. This comes after reports emerged of indiscipline during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir reported the same to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
BCCI issues guidelines for players, says all players should be available for domestic cricket
Following this, the BCCI issued guidelines for the players and took some strong steps. They issued 10-point guidelines, according to which all players should make themselves available for domestic cricket and will have to “remain for the duration of scheduled training sessions and travel together to and from the venue.”
In addition, the policy also saw the BCCI implement restrictions on the time players would spend with their families while on tour. Players’ families will only be allowed two weeks on the 45-day tour.
A stern, strong response from India’s cricket authorities who admitted they had let their national team’s discipline slip badly – Ian Healy
The guidelines presented by the BCCI were termed by former Australian cricketer Ian Healy as a reshaping of Indian cricket. He said it was a strict reaction from the governing body after the indiscipline of the players. Speaking to SEN Radio, he explained:
“The reshaping of Indian cricket. A tough, strong response from India’s cricket authorities who admitted they had let their national team’s discipline slide badly.”
Australia – plus other countries – be aware of how far things can go off the rails without you noticing the effects. – Ian Healy
Ian Healy, who represented Australia in 119 Tests and 168 ODIs between 1988 and 1999, said other cricket boards should be vigilant and pay attention to things that are happening. He elaborated:
“That the following questions could go unsanctioned for so long made for remarkable reading. Perhaps the dream of representing the powerhouse of the sport was being played down by administrators and players alike.
“Australia – plus other countries – be aware of how much things can go off the rails without you noticing the effects. Stay alert. Take it all into the competition.”
The BCCI also stated that all players will now have to travel with the team. Earlier, some of the senior cricketers would also travel from the stadium in private vehicles, which would be arranged by the BCCI operations team with the help of state units.
The BCCI has also banned personal managers or players’ assistants and support staff members from staying in the team hotel. Additionally, no player will be permitted to bring their own chef or hairdresser on tours.
