Delhi, February 14 : If there were any doubts about BCCI’s intentions regarding the 10-point diktat, drafted to “promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment,” they were erased after the board sent an official document to all the players and support staff members, making it mandatory for everyone to abide by it in the Champions Trophy. One of the biggest examples of how serious the BCCI is about the guidelines can be gauged by the accommodation arrangements of personal staff. India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s personal assistant, who reportedly drew the ire of BCCI officials for shadowing the former India opener during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, has quietly been asked not to stay at the same hotel as the players.
“The personal secretary of a member of the coaching staff, who was regularly seen staying at the team hotel, now stays at a different facility even though he has been seen at every venue during the England home series,” said a PTI report. The report did not mention Gambhir’s name, but none of the Indian coaching staff members have personal assistants travelling with the team other than the head coach. Besides, the presence of Gambhir’s PA in every important team gathering miffed the BCCI officials in Australia.
“Why was his PA sitting in the car specified for national selectors? They can’t even discuss things in private with an unknown third person in the car. Why was he allotted space in the BCCI’s hospitality box in Adelaide?” an irritated BCCI official had told PTI.
The official further questioned the individual’s presence in the breakfast area designated only for the players and the support staff.
Summary: Gautam Gambhir’s personal assistant was relocated to a different hotel, complying with BCCI rules about team accommodations, according to reports.