Image: Irfan Pathan questioned the BCCI new guideline for centrally contracted players / © MSN
India’s former player and commentator, Irfan Pathan, recently ignited a debate on the BCCI’s new guidelines for centrally contracted players. These rules were introduced after India’s disappointing 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and one of the main directives states that all players must stay in the same hotel during a series or tour.
Pathan questioned how players were previously allowed to stay in separate hotels, pointing out that even great players of the past adhered to this team rule. The BCCI had previously permitted players, including their families, to stay in different accommodations, but this practice has now been banned.
Pathan’s comments came amid a broader BCCI crackdown on discipline, following India’s loss in Australia. The new rules also include mandatory participation in domestic cricket, family travel restrictions, and a ban on personal staff during tours. Players who don’t follow the guidelines could face sanctions, including exclusion from the IPL.
In addition to this, players must get approval from head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for any exceptions. This crackdown comes at a time when players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are making themselves available for domestic cricket, while others, like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have not yet clarified their participation.