Have We Lost Because of Families? Harbhajan Asks BCCI
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh raised concerns about the BCCI’s decision, asking whether the team’s recent losses were genuinely linked to players’ families accompanying them on tours. He stated:
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“Somebody is saying don’t let wives come on tours. What have the wives done? When performance is not good, you say, ‘Don’t allow wives and children.’ Have we lost because of them? We win or lose because of what we do on the field. The team is in transition, and it will take time.”
He further commented on the importance of addressing core cricketing issues rather than focusing on off-field policies.
Team India’s Recent Performance Under Scrutiny
Harbhajan also pointed out the team’s recent performance, mentioning losses to Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka after the T20 World Cup victory. He remarked:
“You lost a series in Australia—it’s okay. If you don’t lose, how can you enjoy when you win? Before that, you lost to Sri Lanka. People are saying there are no discussions about the losses. If things are getting worse, the focus has gone haywire.”
BCCI’s 10-Point Discipline Policy
The BCCI recently introduced a 10-point policy aimed at promoting “discipline and unity” among players. Key highlights include:
- Families allowed to stay with players for only two weeks during overseas tours.
- Restrictions on personal staff and commercial engagements.
- Non-compliance may result in sanctions, including reduced retainer fees and bans from Indian Premier League (IPL) participation.
“The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action, including deductions from match fees and central contract retainer amounts,” the policy warns.
Harbhajan’s Call for a Better Focus
Harbhajan Singh concluded by urging the BCCI to focus on cricketing improvements rather than off-field distractions. He reiterated that the team is undergoing a transitional phase, and patience is essential to rebuild and achieve consistent results.