In a 10-point diktat, the BCCI lashes the whip, requires domestic cricket participation, and includes an IPL suspension as a sanction.

As part of a 10-point directive "to promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment," these actions were announced on Thursday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is prepared to enforce stricter protocols with the Indian cricket team, including mandatory domestic cricket, restrictions on the presence of families and personal staff on tours, and a ban on individual endorsements during series. This comes after India's appalling performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where they lost 1-3, followed by an unprecedented 0-3 thumping at home against New Zealand. In a memo seen by Hindustan Times, these actions were announced on Thursday as part of a 10-point directive "to encourage discipline, togetherness, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series."

The BCCI made participation in domestic cricket mandatory in response to accusations that the team's batting performance suffered over the last several Test series due to the staple Indian batsmen, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, not prioritizing the Ranji Trophy. The criteria state that playing domestic games will be mandatory "for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts." Only a two-week window has been authorized by the Board for families to accompany the players on international tours.

In addition, the BCCI prohibited families from making separate travel plans because, according to the board, "all players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions." These procedures will also stipulate that players would not be allowed to participate in personal shots or endorsements during a series or tour, even if they must be available for BCCI's official shootings, promotional events, and festivities. In order to "avoid distractions and ensure that the players' focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities," the latter rule was put into place.

Additionally, the BCCI prohibited players from traveling with personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel "unless explicitly approved by the board."

Sanctions, such as an IPL ban, would follow noncompliance.
The BCCI made it clear that Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar must pre-approve any exclusions. Strict disciplinary measures, including exclusion from the Indian Premier League, would result from noncompliance.

"The head coach and the chairman of the selection committee must give their prior approval for any exclusions or modifications. According to the Board policy, noncompliance may result in disciplinary action as determined by the BCCI.

"Additionally, the BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League; and deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract," it states.