Related Articles
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new luggage restrictions for Team India players after a shocking incident during the Australia tour, where a player reportedly carried 27 bags weighing over 250 kg at the board’s expense.
Table of content
BCCI’s Strict Luggage Guidelines
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, a particular player exploited BCCI’s leniency by requesting the board to manage and pay for not only his personal luggage but also the baggage of his family and personal staff. The luggage reportedly included 17 bats along with other personal items.
This unusual burden on the BCCI resulted in a logistical nightmare and extra financial expenses, leading the board to enforce new rules to prevent such situations in the future.
As per the new BCCI guideline, players are now limited to 150 kg of luggage for overseas tours. Any additional baggage must be covered by the player themselves.
Impact of the Incident on Team India’s Travel Rules
🚫 No More Family Luggage on Tours: Players’ family members and personal staff must now carry their luggage separately, and the BCCI will not bear the cost.
🚌 Mandatory Team Bus Travel: Players must travel together in the team bus instead of making personal travel arrangements.
🌍 No Family on ICC Champions Trophy Tour: As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, the BCCI has also ruled that no family members will be allowed to accompany the players.
According to a PTI report, a senior player recently sought clarification on whether his wife could join him in Dubai for the tournament. However, the board rejected the request, reinforcing that the rules apply to everyone equally.
Why the BCCI Took Action
The incident during the Australia tour had a domino effect, as other players also began taking advantage of the relaxed rules. This forced the BCCI to step in and introduce stricter regulations to maintain fairness and avoid unnecessary financial burden.
While the exact amount the board spent on covering the excessive baggage isn’t disclosed, the cost is estimated to be in lakhs. The new rules ensure that such incidents do not repeat in future overseas assignments.
