"BCCI gave you respect, money, fame": Mohammad Kaif attacks Rohit Sharma & Co. for indiscipline

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has reacted to the guidelines issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the players. He lauded the governing body for taking the harsh steps, saying that players were out of control and the board was forced to take this step.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), after the poor outing of the team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, conducted a review meeting. The meeting took place in Mumbai last week in the presence of India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.

BCCI released a 10-point directive for the centrally contracted players

Following that BCCI released a 10-point directive for the centrally contracted players. The governing body took harsh steps and restricted players from several things. The top of all the guidelines was all the players needed to play domestic cricket to be in contention for Indian team selection.

Apart from this, BCCI also applied restrictions for family travel, baggage allowance, restrictions on personal staff, ad shoots, and a ban on players returning home if matches end early. If this happens discipline sanctions will be imposed on players.

A player has to understand that the media is not his friend - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif, while talking about the same, urged the players not to be friends with the media. He stressed that players don't need to trust anyone and they need to make sure that don't cross the line. Speaking in a video posted on his Twitter account, he explained:

"A player has to understand that the media is not his friend. Not at all. Don't trust the media. Don't share anything with them. The media's job is simple, if you play well, they'll praise you, if you play badly, they'll say bad things about you. It's simple. No one is your friend.

"The biggest hypocrisy is in the media. Because they're not your friends. Your real friend is your bat. You'll play if you make runs. You'll play if you take wicket. It's your duty to make a run. Don't trust anyone. The media is your friend. They'll leak the news. They'll leak the news through sources. A player has to understand who he's talking to. Keep a clear line. Don't cross the line."

No one is greater than cricket and discipline - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif added that BCCI did a lot of things for the players, but players crossed the line, and hence, the governing body was forced to take the step. He added that no one is greater than cricket, and hence, discipline is a must. He elaborated:

"BCCI's guidelines have been released but it was released after the players took advantage of freedom. BCCI gave you respect, money, and fame. BCCI made you a hero in a tournament like IPL.

"BCCI does a lot for the players. They're forced to take this step. The players are out of control. They can't control their freedom. Some players are in a private jet. Some are late for practice. Some are not practising. Some have a private chef. Some have a security guard. We gave them a chance to take this step. I think this happens after you lose. You'll come back.

"When you start winning, everything will be hidden. Everyone will be your friend. Even then, you have to keep in mind what is the boundary that you can't cross. You have to play within that boundary. No one is greater than cricket and discipline. Keep this in mind. This is my request to the players." said Mohammad Kaif.

Players should know their boundaries with the media!#CricketWithKaif11 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/seUrW3RlAr

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 17, 2025

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