February 14, 2025 - The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be the biggest ODI event of the year for men's cricket, offering India a golden opportunity to redeem themselves after their disappointing 3-1 series loss to Australia. In the previous edition in 2017, India fell short in the final against Pakistan, finishing as runners-up. However, the team's recent clean sweep against England in an ODI series at home has provided a strong momentum leading into the tournament. Adding to the anticipation, the Champions Trophy 2025 will also mark the first major event where BCCI’s newly implemented guidelines regarding players’ travel, personal staff, and accompanying family members will be enforced with full stringency. A formal SOP has been shared with the players, detailing rules on travel, practice sessions, luggage allowances, and discipline. During the third ODI against England in Ahmedabad, players were clearly informed that these regulations are non-negotiable, and any violation will be taken seriously.

A major rule under the new policy is that players must stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from venues, reinforcing discipline and teamwork. The report suggests that family members will not be allowed to accompany players for the tour, which lasts less than a month, unless an exception is granted—though in such cases, the player will have to bear the full expense. The BCCI has already implemented several restrictions, including prohibiting private vehicles for practice and limiting the presence of personal staff such as managers, agents, and chefs. Moreover, the board has ensured that players fulfill their domestic cricket commitments whenever they have a break from international duties. Star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja have already followed this directive, turning up for their respective domestic teams. Even support staff members have been affected by these new rules, as personal aides who previously stayed at team hotels now have separate accommodations. With such strict policies in place, the BCCI is determined to maintain professionalism and discipline as India prepares for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025.