Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has reacted to the guidelines issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the players. He praised the governing body for taking such harsh measures and said the players were out of control and the board was forced to take this step.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the team’s poor performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held a review meeting. The meeting took place in Mumbai last week in the presence of Indian national cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.

BCCI released 10-point directive for centrally contracted players

Following this, the BCCI issued a 10-point directive for centrally contracted players. The governing body took harsh measures and restricted the players on several things. The top of all the guidelines was all the players required to play domestic cricket and be able to compete for selection for the Indian team.

Apart from this, the BCCI also enforced restrictions on family travel, baggage allowance, restrictions on personal staff, publicity sessions and prohibition on players returning home if matches end early. If this happens, disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on the players.

Speaking about the same, Mohammad Kaif urged the players not to be friends with the media. He emphasized that players do not need to trust anyone and must make sure they do not cross the line. In a video posted on his Twitter account, he explained:

“A player has to understand that the media is not his friend. Not at all. Don’t trust the media. Don’t share anything with them. The media’s job is simple, if you play well, they will praise you. If you play badly, they will say things bad about you. It’s simple. Nobody is your friend.

“The biggest hypocrisy is in the media. Because they are not your friends. Your real friend is your bat. You will bowl if you make runs. You will bowl if you take the wicket. It is your duty to make a run. Don’t trust anyone. The media is your friends. They will filter the news through the sources. A player has to understand who they are talking to.

Nobody is better than cricket and discipline – Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif added that the BCCI did a lot of things for the players but the players crossed the line and hence the governing body was forced to take the step. He added that no one is better than cricket and therefore discipline is essential. He elaborated:

“The BCCI guidelines were released, but they were released after the players took advantage of the freedom. The BCCI gave you respect, money and fame. The BCCI made you a hero in a tournament like the IPL.

“BCCI does a lot for the players. They are forced to take this step. The players are out of control. They cannot control their freedom. Some players are on a private jet. Some are late for practice. Others not practicing. Some have a private chef. Some have a security guard. We gave them the opportunity to take this step. I think this happens after you lose. You will return.

“When you start winning, everything will be hidden. Everyone will be your friend. Even then, you have to keep in mind what is the limit that you cannot cross. You have to play within that limit. No one is greater than Cricket and discipline. Keep this in mind account. This is my request to the players.” said Mohamed Kaif.

Players should know their limits with the media!#CricketConKaif11 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/seUrW3RlAr

—Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 17, 2025

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