The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mentioned that the newly formed SOPs for the Indian team will remain unchanged despite Virat Kohli’s criticism. Secretary Devajit Saikia mentioned that the policy of the family members for the tours will also remain unchanged.
Following the debacle in the Australia tour, BCCI made strict policies for the players. The governing body introduced ten-pointer SOPs, which included limiting the presence of family members during overseas tours. This, however, was objected to by the Indian players, especially Virat Kohli.
At this stage, the current policy will remain intact, as it is of paramount importance to both the nation and our institution – Devajit Saikia
According to the policy, family members can accompany the members of the Indian contingent for up to two weeks if the tour lasts more than 45 days. The policy was followed in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and some players expressed their displeasure over the same, including Virat Kohli.
But amid all this, secretary Devajit Saikia mentioned that policy will remain intact. He said that although there may be different opinions, the policy is applied uniformly to all team members. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he said:
“At this stage, the current policy will remain intact, as it is of paramount importance to both the nation and our institution, the BCCI. The BCCI recognizes that there may be some resentment or differing opinions, as in a democratic setup, people are entitled to express their views.
“The policy is applied uniformly to all team members – players, coaches, managers, support staff, and everyone involved – and has been implemented with the best interests of everyone in mind.”
This policy has not been formulated overnight; it has been in place for decades – Devajit Saika
Devajit Saikia added the policy has been there for a while, stressing that the new one is the amendment of the previous one. He added:
“This policy has not been formulated overnight; it has been in place for decades, dating back to the playing days of our president, Roger Binny – and possibly even earlier.
“The new policy is an amendment of the previous one, with additional provisions regarding players’ presence at practice sessions, match schedules, tours, luggage, team movements, and other ancillary activities, all aimed at the objective of team cohesion and unity.”
The BCCI has increased the duration of family members’ stay – Devajit Saikia
Devajit Saikia added that they also have increased the duration of family members’ stay on a tour. He stressed that they will be doing it through a proper process.
“The BCCI has increased the duration of family members’ stay with players during overseas tours, with provisions for relaxing the norms under special circumstances, but this will be done through a proper process,” he said.
India will be next touring England for the five-match Test series. The series will be played after the IPL 2025, starting from 20th January.
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