January 16, 2025: In a significant shift, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced new guidelines limiting family time for Indian cricketers during international tours. The decision follows the team's disappointing performances in recent Test series losses against New Zealand and Australia, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir.

Sources suggest that the head coach, Gambhir, has been vocal about the issue of indiscipline within the team, especially following India's defeat in the Border-Gavaskar series. The coach has recommended a reduction in family presence on tours, which has been echoed by both the senior players and the team management.

Under the new policy, family members will only be allowed to stay with the players for 14 days during tours lasting 45 days or more. For shorter tours, this allowance will be reduced to just one week. The move is seen as a bid to foster discipline and focus, as sources reveal that the team's collective aim is to align on reducing distractions.

A source close to the matter stated, “Gambhir, during a review meeting, highlighted indiscipline in the dressing room as one of the causes behind the team's underperformance. The decision to revert to pre-COVID family stay rules is aimed at curbing these issues. Both Gambhir and the players are in agreement on this matter.”

Further reports indicate that Gambhir is pushing for greater accountability from both senior and junior players. During the recent Australian tour, there were instances where players were seen dining out together, contrary to team protocols. In fact, sources revealed that only one official team dinner took place during the entire duration of the tour from November 2024 to January 2025.

Additionally, there has been a proposal from a senior player, discussed during the same review meeting with BCCI President Roger Binny, suggesting that match fees should be linked directly to players’ performance. The recommendation proposes withholding the distribution of match fees until players' performances on the field are assessed. This move is aimed at ensuring that players prioritize both domestic and national commitments over personal interests.

As the team prepares for upcoming matches, it is also reported that coach Gambhir may hold a crucial meeting with a BCCI official during the first T20I against England in Kolkata to address ongoing controversies and outline further plans for the team’s discipline and performance.