Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has suggested that the BCCI’s new rule requiring players to travel together for practice and matches indicates the possibility of rule abuse. He pointed out that this has always been the standard practice.

Following India’s 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the BCCI, after consulting with Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and Ajit Agarkar, introduced several new rules, including the mandatory travel guideline. Chopra stated that the rule may have been implemented due to previous violations.

“Players are not allowed to travel separately with their families. Everyone is expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. I’m really surprised by this new rule and why it was implemented. Going for practice or a match is always done together as a team,” he explained (6:20).

“There’s a set time to leave the hotel, then you’re all together on the field, and everyone leaves after practice. This has always been the routine. If someone wants extra practice, they ask the coach. But leaving early—that’s not something that usually happens. If there’s been some misbehaviour, that could explain why this rule is now being enforced,” Chopra added.

“I’m sure not everyone was doing this. For example, Yashasvi Jaiswal was late recently. When you’re late, there’s a penalty. You have to take a taxi and pay the fare, plus face additional consequences. That’s a separate issue,” he mentioned.

“However, if someone claims they came with their family and will join the team later at the practice session because they’re not staying in the team hotel but elsewhere, like at their bungalow or in their home city, then why should they not travel with the team? Whoever permitted this should be held accountable and called out,” Chopra concluded.

Aakash Chopra mentioned that players would require permission from both the head coach and the chairman of selectors to travel separately. While admitting it may feel like micromanagement, he emphasized that such measures are necessary when rules are misused.