No mobile phones in dressing room: BCCI

Taking a serious view of the Swapnil Asnodkar controversy in the Goa versus Maharashtra Ranji Trophy match, the BCCI has warned players against the use of mobile phones in the dressing room during all domestic matches.

Taking a serious view of the Swapnil Asnodkar controversy in the Goa versus Maharashtra Ranji Trophy match, the BCCI has warned players against the use of mobile phones in the dressing room during all domestic matches.

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It is seen as a precautionary measure to guard against the shadow of match-fixing and also to attune the young players with the laws in international cricket where the use of mobile phones is banned. The letter was dispatched to all state associations by the Board secretary, Sanjay Jagdale, on Friday.

“The use of mobile phones by players and support staff is strictly prohibited during the course of the match. It is the responsibility of the manager of the team to collect the mobiles and keep it safe once the team enters the dressing room and the same will be handed only after the close of play. Only the manager of the team is permitted to use the mobile phones for official purposes,” the letter stated.

Board sources told HT that the warning was issued after former India player Javagal Srinath, who is now an ICC match referee, pointed out to the Board officials of players and support staff members talking on the phone during the Vinoo Mankad Under-19 tournament played at Mysore. Srinath advised that the BCCI must issue guidelines on the use of mobile phones during matches.