Rohit Sharma brushes off questions about new BCCI rules
Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his displeasure when questioned about the recently reported set of rules introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the Champions Trophy squad announcement press conference. The new measures reportedly aim to enforce "discipline and unity" within the national team following consecutive series losses against New Zealand and Australia.
When asked about the new rules, Rohit responded sharply, saying, "Who has told you about these rules? Has it come from the official handle? Let it come, and we will talk."
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As per reports, the BCCI has implemented a 10-point policy mandating domestic cricket participation for eligibility in the national team. Additionally, players are no longer permitted to travel with personal staff such as chefs, hairstylists, or security personnel during tours. Restrictions have also been placed on the duration family members can accompany players on international assignments.
The guidelines aim to foster team cohesion by disallowing individual travel arrangements for matches or practice sessions, ensuring that all players adhere to a uniform protocol. The exclusive document obtained by India Today reveals that these measures are part of the board's efforts to create a more professional and unified culture within the squad.
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During the press conference, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar addressed the rationale behind these new measures. "I think every team has some rules in place. We have spoken about various things. We have seen in the last few months the need for some changes, more bonding in the team," Agarkar said.
Emphasizing that the rules are not punitive, Agarkar added, "It's not a school, it's not a punishment. We have some rules, and when you are playing for the national team, you follow the rules. These are not school kids. These are superstars. They know how to handle themselves. But, at the end of the day, you play for your country. So you need to follow some rules. There were a lot of rules that were in place. You keep on refining it."
The press conference highlighted the evolving dynamics within the Indian cricket team as the BCCI focuses on cultivating a disciplined and cohesive environment.
