BCCI Confirms No Relaxation in Standard Operating Procedures | Cricbuzz.com

### Indian Cricket Update: BCCI Confirms No Changes to SOPs

**Author:** Vijay Tagore

In a recent announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that the newly established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Indian cricket team will remain unchanged. This includes the guidelines regarding family accompaniment during overseas tours, reinforcing the board’s commitment to the current regulations.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the importance of maintaining the status quo. “At this juncture, it is imperative that the existing policy remains intact, serving not only the interests of our nation but also respecting the institutional values of the BCCI,” Saikia conveyed to Cricbuzz.

Implemented post the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, these ten-point SOPs restrict the presence of family members during international tours. The policy allows spouses and children under the age of 18 to accompany team members for up to two weeks on tours exceeding 45 days. This protocol was recently applied during the Champions Trophy, leading to mixed reactions from players.

Virat Kohli, speaking at an event in Bengaluru, remarked on the personal impact of such restrictions: “Any player would appreciate having family around to avoid solitude. It helps in balancing life and responsibility towards the game.”

BCCI is aware of some dissent among players regarding the policy. Saikia acknowledged, “In a democratic environment, differing opinions are natural. However, the policy applies uniformly to all team members including players, coaches, and support staff, and is designed with everyone’s best interests in mind.”

Saikia further clarified that the policy is not a sudden change, but rather an evolution of longstanding practices, tracing back to the era of the current BCCI President Roger Binny and potentially even earlier. “The updated policy encapsulates newer provisions related to practice sessions, match schedules, and logistics to ensure team cohesion,” he added.

While the current policy remains firm, Saikia hinted at the possibility of concessions under special circumstances, which would require a formal process to enact changes. “The BCCI is open to extending family stays during overseas tours under specific conditions, but such amendments would follow due diligence,” he concluded.

**Source:** Cricbuzz
**Tags**: India Cricket