Former cricketer-turned commentator Aakash Chopra surprised with BCCI's travel rules for Team India players, but gives a possible reason which may have left the Indian cricket body with no choice.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday (January 16) unveiled a new 10-point stringent policy for Team India players with mandatory restrictions and guidelines on travel dominating most pointers.

What is the new BCCI policy with regards to travel for Team India players?

"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," BCCI's policy read.

"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," another point from BCCI's policy read.

Aakash Chopra Surprised, But Points at Possible Reason For Rule to be Implemented

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned the need for such regulations regarding travel for Team India players, but felt BCCI may have been forced to introduce the new regulations due to prior misuse.

"Players cannot travel separately with families. All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. I am extremely surprised by this rule. Going for practice or the match is with the team only," Chopra said.

"This has been happening forever. If someone wants to practice more, they request the coach. But has someone been leaving early? Some abuse must have happened; that's why this rule is being enforced."

The BCCI's decision to implement stricter guidelines comes on the aftermath of the recent Border-Gavskar Trophy loss. Captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar held a review meeting following India's 1-3 series loss in Australia.

Chopra also gave an example of flouting rules, by bringing up a recent incident Down Under where Yashasvi Jaiswal reportedly arrived late for a session and the opener was punished, but the former cricketer said that's a different issue altogether.

"I am pretty sure everyone wouldn't have been flouting the rule. Yashasvi Jaiswal couldn't reach recently, and he got punished for being late. That's a different story," Chopra added.

There have been instances when players returned to their actual homes amidst a series with the said players later linking up in time for the next match when the series is played at home. This will be a little harder in the new policy, but Chopra questioned why there were exceptions in the past.

"If someone claims they don't need to travel with the team because they're staying elsewhere or it's their city, then whoever permitted this should be called out. Such things are bound to happen if rules are abused," Chopra explained why the rule may been introduced.