The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has begun implementing the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) latest 10-point mandate as the Indian team prepares for the T20I series opener against England at the Eden Gardens on January 22. These guidelines, introduced in response to India’s inconsistent performances following their T20 World Cup 2024 victory, aim to instill discipline and foster team unity.
CAB President Snehashish Ganguly confirmed that all arrangements for the Indian team’s training sessions align with the BCCI’s directives. “In keeping with the BCCI’s 10-point guidelines for players, the Cricket Association of Bengal has not arranged any separate means of conveyance,” Ganguly told PTI. “Only a team bus has been arranged for the Indian team. There won’t be any personal vehicles for the cricketers. We have to follow the guidelines, which clearly state that all players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions.”
The BCCI’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) also mandates that players stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions. The guidelines aim to promote commitment and a strong work ethic within the squad. This is a marked shift from past practices where players, including certain high-profile stars, would arrive separately in personal vehicles with their families.
The new regulations were evident when the team arrived at Eden Gardens in the designated team bus. Head Coach Gautam Gambhir was the first to disembark, followed by support staff and players, including skipper Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Hardik Pandya.
The Indian team is gearing up for a critical white-ball series against England, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs. The series serves as an opportunity for the players to fine-tune their skills ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, where India aims to regain its winning momentum under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
Fans eagerly await the first T20I at Eden Gardens, as the series marks India’s return to international cricket in 2025. The new regulations, coupled with the high stakes, have added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming matches, with India keen to set the tone for a successful year ahead.
