No Endorsement Shoots, Mandatory Training Sessions As BCCI Hands Strict SOPs For Champions Trophy 2025

BCCI Enforces Strict SOPs for India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign

The Indian team is set to embark on a new chapter of discipline and structure as they prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. With a focus on improving the dressing room culture, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced several Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will be strictly followed during the tournament.

Key Highlights of the SOPs for Champions Trophy 2025

• Enforcement of Disciplinary Guidelines: The Rohit Sharma-led squad has received a comprehensive set of SOPs for the upcoming tournament. These guidelines, especially the disciplinary ones, are non-negotiable and are designed to ensure the players remain focused and committed to the team’s objectives.
• Indian Team Manager’s Role: The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) secretary, R Devraj, has been appointed as the team manager for the Champions Trophy 2025. He has been tasked with ensuring full compliance with the SOPs and maintaining order throughout the tour.
• Restrictions on Personal Staff: One of the most notable SOPs is the restriction on players bringing their personal staff (managers, chefs, assistants, security) during the tour. The BCCI has stated that personal staff will only be allowed if explicitly approved, which is expected to minimize logistical challenges and keep the focus on team operations.
• Changes in Food Arrangements: In the past, players often brought their personal chefs to cook meals according to their prescribed diets. However, for the Champions Trophy 2025, the BCCI will provide two personal chefs for the entire squad to handle the dietary needs of all players. This will be the first tournament where this new arrangement is implemented, and it remains to be seen how the chefs will manage different diet plans for players.
• No Family Accompanying Players: In line with the new rules, players will not be allowed to bring their families along for the Champions Trophy 2025 tour. The tournament, scheduled to start on February 19 and conclude by March 9, will span nearly four weeks. Players will only be allowed to have immediate family members (spouses and children under 18) visit them for one visit per series, up to a two-week period.

Additional Changes Implemented by BCCI

• Team Travel Mandates: During the England series, the BCCI implemented a rule that all team members must travel to and from training sessions in the team bus. This mandate is set to continue for the Champions Trophy as well, ensuring unity and discipline within the squad.
• Ban on Personal Shoots and Endorsements: To ensure players stay focused on their cricketing duties, the BCCI has also prohibited any personal endorsement shoots or brand engagements during an ongoing tour or series. This rule is aimed at minimizing distractions and ensuring that players concentrate on the game.
• Domestic Cricket for Central Contracts: A significant step taken by the BCCI is the requirement for players to participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for central contracts and national team selection. This new mandate has already been put into practice, with top Indian cricketers appearing for their respective domestic sides in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season.

Conclusion

The Champions Trophy 2025 will be a turning point for the Indian team, with the implementation of new rules and SOPs designed to improve focus and discipline. These measures, including restricting personal staff, mandating team travel, and limiting endorsement activities, reflect the BCCI’s efforts to maintain a high level of professionalism during the tournament. With these changes in place, it will be interesting to see how the Indian team adapts and performs on the world stage.