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Gambhir In Hot Water! New BCCI Rules Ban India Coach's PA Over Unauthorised Access

Soumyajit Dutta

Gautam Gambhir [Source: @VibhuBhola/X.com]Gautam Gambhir [Source: @VibhuBhola/X.com]

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently rolled out stringent guidelines, aka a '10-point diktat', to enforce discipline and cohesion within the national team, with head coach Gautam Gambhir unexpectedly finding himself at the centre of the crackdown. 

The new move follows scrutiny over Gautam Gambhir’s use of a personal assistant (PA) during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which sparked concerns about protocol breaches and unauthorised access during confidential events and gatherings.

Gambhir Faces BCCI's Wrath Over PA Fiasco

Notably, during the Australia tour, Gambhir's PA became a focal point of contention after being spotted in restricted team areas, including sharing transport reserved for national selectors and accessing the BCCI's hospitality box in Adelaide. The assistant was also observed in secured zones of the team hotel, such as breakfast areas designated exclusively for players and staff. 

These incidents reportedly alarmed BCCI officials, who viewed the PA's presence as a breach of privacy and a potential risk for internal leaks. “Why was a non-staff member seated in selectors’ vehicles or permitted in private spaces? These lapses are unacceptable,” a BCCI official stated. 

Gambhir's PA Relocated For Champions Trophy Tour

Post-tour, the board clamped down, barring support staff’s personal aides from team travel and accommodations. As a result, Gambhir’s PA, previously a constant presence during matches, has now been relocated to a separate hotel during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai and is barred from team facilities.

Gambhir, who had advocated for structural changes after reports of a fractured team environment in Australia, ironically faces the brunt of the new policies. He remains the only coaching staff member known to have travelled with a personal assistant, a privilege now revoked under the updated rules. 

The BCCI’s stricter protocols aim to curb unauthorized interactions, particularly after sensitive team discussions were leaked during the Australia series. The revised guidelines also extend to players, prohibiting families or partners from accompanying them on tour unless they cover associated costs independently. 

BCCI's New Directive Aims To Curb Distractions

Additionally, the board has restricted access to personal chefs, stylists, and agents, signalling a broader push to minimize external influences. While Gambhir adapts to the revised setup, the BCCI’s measures underscore its priority to safeguard team privacy and unity. 

Significantly, the coach’s reduced entourage now serves as a visible reminder of the board’s resolve to eliminate distractions and reinforce accountability ahead of major tournaments.