‘Why would anyone need over 150 kgs of luggage?’ – Aakash Chopra baffled over BCCI’s revised rules after BGT 2024-25

Aakash Chopra (Source :Twitter)

Former Indian batter and commentator Aakash Chopra was shocked over the recent rule changes instituted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the disappointing Test series loss to Australia.

Interestingly, the BCCI has introduced guidelines for player accommodations and travel arrangements. One of the most notable changes limits the presence of players’ families during extended tours. 

As per the new implementations, the wives of players will be restricted to accompanying the team for a maximum of two weeks on tours lasting over 45 days, with shorter tours further reducing their stay’s duration by a week.

The BCCI has also imposed stricter regulations on player transportation and baggage allowances as all the players are mandated to travel exclusively on the team bus, a regulation that left Chopra surprised.

“All players will have to travel on the team bus’. Finding this one most amusing. Wasn’t that always the norm??? If that isn’t the case anymore…it’s worth finding out who changed that?? And why,” he wrote on X (Twitter).

Also Read: Aakash Chopra questions Shivam Dube’s absence from India’s squad for England T20Is

Why would you want the board to pay for excess baggage?: Aakash Chopra

Another issue raised by Chopra was the allocation of luggage allowances. Under the new rules, the BCCI will cover up to 150 kilograms of a player’s baggage on tour. However, any excess weight beyond this limit must be paid for by the player personally.

“The other interesting thing that caught my eye is – BCCI will pay till 150kgs for a player baggage. Over and above to be paid by the player. Why would anyone need over 150 kgs of luggage on a cricket tour?? No cricket kit-bag can exceed 40 kgs. 15 bats will be under 20 kgs. 110 kgs of clothes?? 🫣 and seems like even that’s not enough for few!!! And why would you want the board to pay for excess baggage beyond that anyway,” he added.

Meanwhile, the defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has led to introspection within the team, with reports of internal discord surfacing. Tthe role of team management has also come under question, with reports stating that head coach Gautam Gambhir’s future could depend on the team’s performance in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma-led side has had a few disappointing tours recently, including a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home and an ODI series loss to Sri Lanka. The side also failed to qualify for the finals of the WTC 2023-25 cycle.