India’s 1-3 loss to Australia in the recent five test match series there has prompted Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI)to consider disciplinary measures like limiting the presence of wives on tours.  The BCCI also proposes to make it mandatory for players to travel together in the team bus.  They may also be asked to pay for extra luggage.

These proposed measures also come in the backdrop of Indian cricket team losing all the three test matches against New Zealand at home before the Border-Gavaskar test match series in Australia.  The steps were reportedly discussed in the review meeting between the BCCI and Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir after the loss Down Under.

The proposed steps include not allowing spouses to travel with players beyond two weeks on a tour that more than 45 days, it was learnt.  If the tour is shorter, the duration may be reduced to seven days. India’s next Test assignment away from home is a five-match tour of England starting in June.

Moreover, it will be made mandatory for the players to travel together in team buses. They have also been asked to pay for extra luggage.  If players’ luggage exceeds 150 kg, BCCI will not cover the extra charges, and players will have to pay them.

Two top players of the Indian team reportedly travelled with their families between cities during Australian tour while the rest of the players travelled together. A report even claimed that the Indian team did not celebrate their historic win in in Perth together.

The BCCI decided to avoid any knee-jerk reactions in terms of the combination of the team. It is understood that with an important ODI tournament like the Champions Trophy scheduled in another six weeks’ time, any immediate reaction would hurt the team as well as the support staff.

Moreover, the issue of managers of players and coaches was highlighted when the personal manager of a senior coaching staff member was allowed on the team bus on the recent tour in Australia.

The issue of managers of players and coaches was highlighted when the personal manager of a senior coaching staff member was allowed on the team bus on the recent tour that ended with India losing 1-3.

Personal managers travelling on the team bus also raises a red flag with the anti-corruption unit. It should be avoided going forward. As far as the presence of wives on tours is concerned, it is being discussed in the board and a call would be taken on it soon, sources said.

Also players and coaches should only travel by team bus. It was always supposed to be the case but of late, players use other modes of transportation. That should be avoided, they said.

India’s 1-3 defeat, their first loss to Australia in 10 years also meant that the Indians failed to make the cut for the World Test Championship final to be held in London in June.