So, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 won’t just decide Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach. The tournament, set to begin next week, will have it’s importance multifold. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a set of strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Indian team, which will be enforced from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. So the “mini World Cup” will also see the litmus test for these guidelines.
The new rules cover aspects such as travel, restrictions on personal staff, limitations on family visits, and a strict ban on personal endorsement shoots during the tournament. Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) secretary R Devraj has been appointed as the team manager for the event and will be responsible for ensuring these regulations are followed. The objective, according to BCCI, is to maintain discipline and enhance team cohesion. But will it really help team come in unison or will “force” it to happen?
BCCI’s SOPs: Will they hurt or help Team India?
One could only imagine if these regulations aim to streamline the team’s functioning or will negatively impact India’s chances in a high-stakes tournament like the ICC Champions Trophy. As per Cricbuzz, one of the most notable changes is the restriction on personal staff, such as chefs, assistants, and security personnel. Many top players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are accustomed to traveling with dedicated support teams to maintain their diet, fitness, and daily routines. With these restrictions, players might find it difficult to adjust, potentially affecting their overall performance. However, it is all imaginary.
Another area of concern is the limitation on family visits. Players will only be allowed to have their spouses and children (under 18) visit for up to two weeks if the tour lasts beyond 45 days. Since the Champions Trophy will be a four-week-long event, family members will not be allowed to accompany the players, which could affect their mental well-being, especially during a high-pressure tournament.
Additionally, players must now travel strictly with the team in official buses rather than using personal vehicles post-training. Another key regulation prohibits players from engaging in personal endorsement shoots during the tournament. While this ensures that players remain focused on cricket. The effects of all these are truly dependent on the players themselves.
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More team unity at ICC Champions Trophy for India?
On the flip side, BCCI’s emphasis on discipline and unity could work in India’s favor. By reducing external distractions and ensuring all players stay together, the team may develop stronger camaraderie. You might remember during the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) tour, there were numerous reports of friction within the team. Many reports came out about some players forming different groups.
Moreover, enforcing structured training schedules and minimising logistical chaos could result in a more professional and focused approach. With fewer distractions, players can concentrate solely on their performance, which could be the key to India’s success in the Champions Trophy. Moreover, as mentioned by former Indian cricketers, these are SOPs used traditionally by BCCI as well. Players in yesteryears used to comply with the guidelines too.
India at ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Team India is set to leave for Dubai on February 15, with their first match scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20. Notably, the Rohit Sharma-led unit won’t be having any pre-tournament warm-up games scheduled. They just featured in a three-game ODI series against England, winning the tie 3-0. The mega India vs Pakistan will attract all the eyeballs and will be played on February 23. The final league game against New Zealand takes place on March 2. If India reaches the semifinals, it will be played on March 4, with the final on March 9.
