During India’s recent tour of Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a new rule limiting the weight of players’ luggage for overseas assignments. According to reports, the board implemented this rule to prevent misuse of its leniency. The BCCI clarified that it would only cover the cost for luggage up to 150 kg.
A report from Dainik Jagran revealed that some players had been taking advantage of the board’s flexibility. One player reportedly had the BCCI manage and pay for over 27 bags during the Australian tour, which included luggage not just for the player, but also for his family and personal staff. The total weight exceeded 250 kg, which the BCCI had to cover. Among the items were 17 bats and various personal belongings.
The BCCI’s policy states that the luggage of family members and personal staff should be handled separately, but the player managed to include it in the team’s luggage arrangements. The report also mentioned that the player’s family accompanied him throughout the tour, requiring the BCCI to pay for transporting their belongings between cities in Australia and from India to Australia. While the exact costs are unknown, they are estimated to be significant.
This situation reportedly set a precedent for other team members, leading to further misuse. To address this, the BCCI instituted stricter rules, including mandating that players travel only with the team and not make personal arrangements. Additionally, the BCCI has stated that players’ family members will no longer be allowed to join them on tours. When a senior player requested an exception to bring his wife to Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy, the BCCI maintained that the policy applies equally to all players.