BCCI imposes strict baggage rules after this India star's 27-bag scandal on Australia
Published - 14 Feb 2025, 12:32 PM | Updated - 14 Feb 2025, 12:33 PM
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In a big yet shocking crackdown on excessive baggage during overseas tours, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced strict new guidelines for the Indian cricket team.
The decision comes after a shocking incident during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, where a star player carried an astonishing 27 bags and a trolley, exceeding 250 kg in total weight.
As reported by Jagran, the BCCI sources revealed that the player's luggage didn’t have just his cricketing gear and personal belongings, but also items for his private staff and family members, including 17 bats.
The Indian cricket board had to cover the hefty transportation costs for these 27 bags and trolly across multiple Australian cities and back to India.
No more free rides, as BCCI enforces a 150 kg luggage limit for players after the Australia incident
The incident left the BCCI frustrated, raising concerns among officials, as other players reportedly began following a similar trend, leading to unnecessary financial strain on the board.
To prevent such incidents in the future, the BCCI has now set a firm limit—each player can carry only up to 150 kg of luggage on international tours.
Any extra baggage must be paid for by the player and will no longer be covered by the board. With this strict rule, the BCCI wants to enforce discipline and professionalism in the Indian cricket team. With the new rule coming into immediate effect, players will have to be more mindful of their luggage.
एक खिलाड़ी बीसीसीआइ के खर्चे पर 27 बैग लेकर एयरलाइंस ट्रैवल कर रहा था बार्डर गावस्कर ट्राफी में। उसमें उनके परिवार और पर्सनल स्टाफ के बैग भी थे। इसके बाद बीसीसीआइ विदेशी दौरे पर अधिकतम 150 किलोग्राम वजन का भुगतान एयरलाइंस करने का नियम लाया। पढ़िए पूरी खबर @JagranNews pic.twitter.com/vMKyfewv6R
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) February 14, 2025
Wives and families to not travel with the Indian cricket team for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, the Indian players will not be allowed to travel with their family members, wives, or partners to Dubai for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If any exceptions are granted, the player will have to cover all expenses personally.
Additionally, the BCCI has imposed strict restrictions on personal staff, including private chefs, hairstylists, and player agents. These measures are now being implemented to maintain discipline and ensure a professional environment during the tournament.
According to the BCCI’s travel policy, families can be with players for a maximum of two weeks during a tour lasting 45 days or more. However, families will be with the players during the five-Test tour of England later this year. The window for their two-week stay during the trip will be worked out later.
India set to depart for Dubai on February 15
Notably, the Indian cricket team is set to depart for Dubai on February 15 for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue, who recently won the T20I series by a 4-1 margin and clean swept the ODI series against England, will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, UAE.
Rohit Sharma and his brigade will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-stakes encounter on February 23 at the same venue in Dubai, followed by their final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2. Notably, the rest of the ICC Champions Trophy will take place across three venues—Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi—in Pakistan.
