The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been implementing a number of new rules for players and support staff prior to the 2025 Champions Trophy. Although the board has already made international cricketers prioritise domestic cricket, it has also implemented steps to maintain discipline and consistency in the team.
One of the recent updates includes limitations on personal staff who travel with team members. Reports indicate that even relatives of players could be barred from travelling for the tournament, considering less than a month. But the most dramatic application of this policy was when the personal assistant (PA) of India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, was allegedly asked to reside in a different hotel rather than being accommodated with the team.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, this decision was made in adherence to BCCI’s accommodation policies. “The personal secretary of a coaching staff member, who was regularly seen staying at the team hotel, now stays at a different facility, even though he has been present at every venue during the England home series,” the report stated.
ALSO READ: Sanjay Manjrekar backs key change in Team India’s final Champions Trophy 2025 squad
A BCCI official also complained about the PA’s constant presence near the team, stating that it was disrupting the selectors. The official was especially upset that the assistant had access to VIP facilities, such as travelling with selectors and sitting in on high-level meetings.
गौतम गंभीर पर BCCI सख्त, PA को हटाया… दूसरे होटल में शिफ्ट, जानें क्यों हुआ ऐसा Gautam Gambhir PA News: गौतम गंभीर के निजी सहायक (PA) ने इंग्लैंड सीरीज के दौरान खिलाड़ियों और आधिकारिक समारोहों से दूरी बनाए रखी और अब एक अलग होटल में रह रहे हैं.
— 1xbet India (@_1xbetglobal_) February 14, 2025
“Why was his PA sitting in the car meant for national selectors? They can’t even talk in private with some third person present.”. Why was he allocated a place in the BCCI hospitality box in Adelaide? How did he have breakfast in the VIP team area at a five-star complex?” the official asked.
ALSO READ: BCCI Bars Indian Players’ Families From Traveling for 2025 Champions Trophy?
At the same time, India has decided its team for the Champions Trophy and enters the tournament following a comprehensive home ODI series against England. The side swept the visitors 3-0, and talented batting prodigy Shubman Gill received the Player of the Series honour. With the Champions Trophy to start on February 19, India’s campaign starts on February 20 in Dubai against Bangladesh.
