BCCI, after the lacklustre performance against New Zealand and Australia, came up with a set of proposals that was aimed towards disciplining an indiscipline team. I wrote that the BCCI may come up with these rules but we will have to wait to see how long does this hold water. Similar set of rules was imposed after the 2007 World Cup debacle but they were all forgotten with a year. The same is happening now. This time, the perpetrator is not one but the BCCI themselves. The BCCI has allowed wives to join the players during the Champions Trophy though they have a little caveat. I will come to that a little later. Also, Virat Kohli, continues to poke the BCCI on the eye with his own audacity. IPL has invoked a monster. It looks like the players are not willing to listen to the BCCI. Oh come on BCCI.
BCCI’s relaxation
The BCCI have decided to allow the wives to join their husbands during the Champions Trophy. There is a caveat ofcourse. They are allowed to choose one game. As reported by Dainik Jagran, the players can bring their families for one game during the tournament. The BCCI earlier stated that families will not be allowed for the entirety of the Champions Trophy. Within a month, they have decided to allow their families albeit for one game. Probably one of the player or a group of players may have requested and the BCCI have acquiesced. This is how things start. First, one game for the tournament. Next, it will be for about a week and later, for a month effectively completing in the families being allowed throughout the series. This is a good ploy and the board has fallen a prey to it.
This is exactly what I wrote. Whatever rules BCCI can come up with, it will be watered down a little later. Atleast I hoped that these guidelines will be active for 6 months but BCCI being BCCI, has already relaxed one of the guideline. BCCI could have as well continued with the status quo. They are never known to care about the image of the cricket team or that of the nation. They are only interested in making money. Why create a scene by introducing some meaningless guidelines which they very well know that it will be relaxed?
Kohli does what only Kohli can
One of the so-called guideline is that no one will be allowed to take their personal chefs on tours but Kohli being Kohli, has actually ridiculed the BCCI. He has directly laid a challenge to the BCCI. He has told them, though in not so many words that I will continue where I left, you are free to do what you can. I very well know that you are an incapable body and that I am untouchable. I cannot be dropped not can I be punished. This is what Kohli seems to be thinking.
As per the Times of India report, after India’s exhausting three-hour practice session, Virat Kohli was spotted chatting with the team’s local manager approximately fifteen minutes prior to the arrival of the team bus. The latter came back with a paper bag full of food from a well-known restaurant.
“It had had few boxes of Kohli’s post-session meal. While the others packed their kit bags, Kohli was refueling and even saved a box for the road.” read the report.
One of those concerns was that “unless specifically authorized by the BCCI, players can no longer bring personal staff like chefs, security guards, or assistants on tours.”
Kohli is certainly losing steadily, some of the neutrals who want him to succeed but is rather perplexed that despite 5 years of failure, he still continues to be in the team in Test cricket. Through his steadfast refusal to follow the rules and his indiscipline is causing much anguish among those neutrals.
Dinesh Karthik about Indians in leagues
Karthik is against active Indian cricketers participating in overseas league. India is the only team that does not allow its current players to play in any foreign league whereas IPL invites anyone and everyone.
“I am a big believer that the IPL should be the crown jewel for the BCCI. It is at the moment. The IPL is the crown jewel of world cricket. For that to maintain their status quo as No. 1, I believe Indian cricketers shouldn’t be allowed to play in overseas leagues unless they are retired,” he said.
“The players can take their call, because if they feel they are done with IPL, they can move on to other leagues. I completely stand along with the BCCI on that front.”
Karthik has retired from all forms of the game and hence is allowed to participate in other leagues. I am certain that Bumrah, Kohli and Rohit will be sold for millions in overseas league but I am of the firm opinion that that must not be allowed. Already, Indians are playing way too much cricket. If leagues are also taken into account it will be incredible. Once retiring, these players can play in those leagues.
Wrapping up oh come on BCCI
Ultimately, the BCCI will be made to look like a buffoon. These so-called guidelines may not last 6 months. If India are to win the Champions Trophy, it may not even last for 3 months.
