Ravindra Jadeja Violates BCCI Travel Rule in 2nd Test, Unlikely to Face Punishment: Report

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja broke one of the key rules in the new Indian Cricket Board guidelines during the second Test match against England. Jadeja, who scored a crucial 89 runs in the first innings of the match, travelled separately to the Edgbaston Stadium.

According to the new BCCI Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), issued after India's disastrous tour of Australia, all team members are required to travel together in the team bus to and from the stadium and practice sessions. Travelling separately is strictly prohibited under the new SOP, aimed at maintaining discipline within the team.

ESPNcricinfo reported on Thursday that Jadeja had travelled alone to the Edgbaston Stadium, thereby violating the BCCI rules. However, the report also noted that Jadeja is unlikely to face any sanction, as he had reached the stadium earlier than the rest of the team to get in some extra batting practice before the match.

\"Somewhere I felt that I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new. I felt if I could see the new ball off, it would become easier for the rest of the innings. Luckily, I could bat till lunch, and then Washington Sundar also batted well with Shubman. The more you bat in England, the better it is because you never feel you are set here. At any time, a ball can swing, take your edge, or bowl you,\" Jadeja said in the press conference after the end of Day Two's play.

Jadeja and Shubman Gill helped guide the Indian team to a mammoth 587-run total in the first innings of the second Test match. Jadeja played a vital role, scoring 89 off 137 balls.

What Are the New BCCI Rules?

The BCCI implemented a 10-point rulebook for the Indian team after the disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25. One of the key changes is that players are now prohibited from travelling with personal staff such as cooks, hairdressers, stylists, or personal security guards during tours.

Full Text of Policy Document for Team India (Senior Men)

Objective:

To establish guidelines that promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.

1. Participation in Domestic Matches

Participation in domestic matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This policy ensures that players stay connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure.

Additionally, it inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression. Any exceptions to this mandate will be considered only under extraordinary circumstances and will require formal notification and approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.

2. Travelling Separately with Families

All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions, if any, must be pre-approved by the Head Coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee.

3. Excess Baggage Limit

Players are required to adhere to the specified baggage limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage costs will need to be borne by the individual player. This policy helps streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses.

4. Restriction on Personal Staff

Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This measure ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges.

5. Sending Bags to the Centre of Excellence

Players must coordinate with team management regarding the dispatch of equipment and personal items to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player's responsibility.

6. Attendance at Practice Sessions

All players are required to attend scheduled practice sessions in full and travel together to and from the venue. This rule promotes commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.

7. Restrictions on Personal Shoots During Series/Tours

Players are not permitted to engage in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This policy avoids distractions and ensures players remain focused on cricket and team responsibilities.

8. Family Travel Policy

The family travel policy is designed to balance players’ personal well-being with team commitments:

Eligibility: Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours may be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) lasting up to two weeks.

Provisions: The BCCI will cover shared accommodation for the player and their family during the designated visitors' period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player.

Coordination: Family visits must be scheduled as a single visit during dates agreed upon by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations.

Exceptions: Any deviation from this policy must be pre-approved by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations. Additional expenses outside the designated visitors' period will not be covered by the BCCI.

9. Participation in Official BCCI Engagements

Players are required to be available for BCCI’s official shoots, promotional activities, and functions. These engagements are crucial for fulfilling commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game effectively.

10. Completion of Tours

Players must stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, even if matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.

- Ends

Published By: Kingshuk Kusari Published On: Jul 4, 2025