Virat Kohli goes against BCCI's rules ahead of India's Champions Trophy 2025 opener? Check details

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a set of stringent new regulations for the Indian men’s cricket team, aimed at curbing added luxuries for players during overseas tours. These new guidelines, which form a comprehensive 10-point rulebook, seek to streamline team operations and ensure players focus entirely on their performance without unnecessary distractions. Under these new rules, certain privileges, including personal assistants, security personnel, and personal chefs, which were previously available to players during international tours, will no longer be allowed. This move will apply even to senior, high-profile players such as Virat Kohli, signaling that no exceptions will be made. The BCCI aims to promote a more disciplined and focused approach by eliminating what they believe are excessive comforts that could potentially affect the players' mental and physical preparation.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli orders food delivery ahead of India vs Bangladesh match?

This step has been introduced as part of a broader effort to ensure that the team remains focused on their goals for the Champions Trophy, with a particular emphasis on team unity and the overall well-being of the players. While this shift is likely to draw mixed reactions, it signals the BCCI’s desire to set a more professional tone for the national team, ensuring that every player, regardless of their stature, follows the same protocols and standards. This change represents a significant shift in the team culture as India looks to compete at the highest level on the global stage.

According to a report by The Times of India (TOI), Virat Kohli has successfully maintained his strict diet despite the recent implementation of stringent new rules by the BCCI. These regulations limit players' access to personal chefs and other luxuries during overseas tours. Upon arriving in Dubai for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Kohli took the initiative to ensure his dietary needs were met. He immediately reached out to a local team manager to arrange for meals from a well-known and highly regarded restaurant.

After the team’s training session, Kohli received a food packet that had been carefully organized by the manager, ensuring that it adhered to his dietary requirements. Despite the restrictions placed on players, Kohli’s commitment to his health and fitness remained unwavering, and he found a way to maintain his nutrition plan while complying with the rules. This instance highlights Kohli’s dedication to his fitness regime, even in the face of new regulations, and his proactive approach to making sure his nutritional needs are met while focusing on his performance during the tournament. It also underscores the lengths to which some players may go to uphold their routines, even when certain privileges are restricted.

"It contained a few boxes of Kohli’s post-session meal. While others packed their kit bags, Kohli was refuelling and even saved a box for the road," the report mentioned.

The BCCI has introduced a fresh set of rules and regulations for the India Men’s Cricket Team, focusing on development, coordination, and integrity. Here are the key guidelines:

• No personal staff: Players are not allowed to bring personal chefs, security personnel, or managers unless specifically approved.
• Team travel mandatory: Players must travel together for all matches and training sessions, limiting personal travel.
• Baggage restrictions: Players can carry up to 150 kg of luggage; any excess baggage must be covered at their own expense.
• Family travel policy: Partners and children (under 18) can accompany players on overseas tours lasting more than 45 days, but only once per series for up to two weeks. BCCI will cover shared accommodation.
• Mandatory team stay: Players are required to stay with the team until the series officially concludes. 

India began their training in Dubai on February 16, with a strong focus on refining their middle and death-over batting strategies in preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. During the intense net sessions, Virat Kohli took charge and led the charge against bowlers Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh, working on key aspects of batting under pressure in the crucial phases of the game. The sessions were designed to simulate match-like conditions, ensuring that the players are fully prepared to handle challenging situations in the tournament.

The Champions Trophy 2025 officially kicks off on February 19, with India set to face Bangladesh in their opening match on February 20. This will be followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23, 2025. The India vs. Pakistan game is expected to draw massive attention from fans across the globe, adding to the excitement surrounding the tournament. As the team continues its preparations, all eyes will be on how they perform in these crucial early matches, with the aim to build momentum heading into the rest of the competition. The emphasis on tactical preparation and fitness will be key for India’s success in the upcoming Champions Trophy.