**BCCI Considering Reducing Presence of Wives on Tours, Barring Managers on Team Bus**
In a move aimed at enhancing team focus and performance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stringent new guidelines for Indian cricketers. The latest decisions, which come in the wake of India’s disappointing performances in recent Test series, include restrictions on the presence of wives and families during overseas tours and a ban on personal managers traveling with the team.
The BCCI has reinstated a pre-2019 rule that limits family visits to just two weeks during a 45-day tour. For shorter tours, the allowance is reduced to seven days. This decision is a direct response to concerns raised over the level of distractions caused by families staying with players for extended periods, particularly during the recent tour of Australia where multiple players had their families around for the entire length of the tour[1][4].
The board emphasized that these changes are necessary to foster team unity and eliminate distractions that may have previously affected players’ focus and performance. To achieve this, the BCCI has mandated that all players must travel together on the team bus, with no exceptions. This measure aims to create a more cohesive unit by ensuring players remain united and focused during overseas tours[2][4].
Another significant move by the BCCI has been to target personal staff members who travel with players during tours. Gautam Gambhir’s personal manager, Gaurav Arora, was present during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which raised eyebrows. From now on, players’ personal staff will no longer be allowed to travel with the team, nor will they have access to team transport or accommodation[2][4].
The BCCI’s intervention stems from concerns over team dynamics and a sense of fragmentation within the squad. Reports suggested that during India’s 2020-2021 tour of Australia, players traveled in batches and did not spend much time together off the field. The team’s inability to bond and share meals together outside the stadium has been seen as a possible reason for the team’s underwhelming performances. The BCCI is determined to create a more cohesive unit by ensuring players remain united and focused during overseas tours[4].
The new rules have already sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans and cricket enthusiasts weighing in on the potential impact of these measures. Some have joked that Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli’s wife, might now need to consider a career as an ESPN writer to stay close to cricket, while others have criticized the BCCI for bringing back what they see as regressive rules[1].
Despite the backlash, the BCCI remains committed to its goal of improving team performance. By restricting family visits and banning personal managers from traveling with the team, the board hopes to shield players from unnecessary external distractions and create a more disciplined environment. As the cricket world waits with bated breath to see how these changes will play out, one thing is clear: the BCCI is taking bold steps to ensure that Team India is better equipped to tackle the challenges of international cricket.
In conclusion, the BCCI’s decision to reduce the presence of wives on tours and bar managers from traveling with the team is a significant move aimed at enhancing team focus and performance. While it remains to be seen how these changes will impact India’s cricket fortunes, one thing is certain: the board is determined to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that Team India returns to its former glory.
