BCCI bans personal chefs, but assigns two board-approved cooks for Team India tours

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued strict guidelines for players around discipline and unity within the team, following a poor Test season. Notably, the board has responded to the issue of personal chefs by offering to send two chefs on long tours to cater to the nutritional needs of players.

India suffered a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 and a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in the home Test series. Following the losses, the coaching staff and players came under scrutiny. The board held a review meeting with head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.

The BCCI has introduced a 10-point disciplinary guideline to foster discipline, unity, and a positive team environment. This step is to uphold professional standards, improve team operations, and ensure better performance on tours.

BCCI Proposes Solution to ‘No Personal Chefs’ Policy

The BCCI has decided to ban players from bringing their personal chefs on tours, a practice followed by some players, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, for customized meals.

As per the Pune Media, the board has proposed sending two personal chefs to cook meals for the entire squad to meet the nutritional needs of the team. The players are now deliberating on whether this solution will meet their dietary requirements.

“The team has been given an option where the board will arrange two chefs for the players’ needs. However, there will be discussions around the specific needs of the players and what more could be done,” a BCCI source said.

Over the past six to seven years, more players have hired personal chefs to prepare meals for their specific diet plans, which are designed to maintain optimum fitness. These chefs do not stay in team hotels but are provided accommodation with kitchen facilities, delivering meals to players at the hotel.

One concern raised by the board during a review meeting was the presence of personal chefs in the team’s dining area, where only players and coaching staff are allowed.

“The issue is whether two chefs can cook personalised meals for so many players. The players have their favourite food and recipes that complement each other according to the suggested diet. Some may miss home-cooked food on long tours and the chefs design the menu accordingly,” the source said.

“Certain players have to be extra careful with their diet, especially if they have overcome serious injuries which command watching their weight and other vitals. These chefs are very particular about the quality of ingredients used in cooking the meals. BCCI is trying to work around it to ensure premium food quality for its players,” the source added.

BCCI Allows Exception for Personal Chefs with Necessary Approvals

If a player seeks approval from the coach, captain, and the board, a personal chef could be allowed to deliver meals to the hotel concierge, where the player can pick them up and have them served by hotel staff.

This decision will depend on how flexible the BCCI is in accommodating players’ nutritional needs. Some players, especially those recovering from injuries, need to monitor their diets carefully, and personal chefs ensure high-quality ingredients are used in their meals.

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