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  • Guyana unveils record $1.38 trillion budget with $90 billion in relief measures

    Guyana unveils record $1.38 trillion budget with $90 billion in relief measures

    Already attracting commendations from wide and far, Guyana unveiled its largest fiscal framework yet, a monumental $1.38 trillion budget for 2025 on Friday.

    Anchoring this vast financial blueprint is a sweeping $90 billion package of relief measures designed to alleviate the cost of living and put more money in the pockets of the nation’s citizens.

    Dr Ashni Singh, Senior Minister responsible for Finance and the Public Service, presented the national budget, which he boasts is centred around key initiatives aimed at supporting the most vulnerable and boosting disposable income across the country.

    The measures are seen as a direct response to the growing financial pressures felt by ordinary Guyanese as well as a fulfilment of several campaign promises made by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civics (PPP/C).

    An elderly resident of Region Seven examines his new pair of spectacles

    Support for the vulnerable 

    The budget contains a series of targeted initiatives designed to provide immediate relief for vulnerable groups, including pensioners, families, and individuals with disabilities.

    A key highlight is the increase in old-age pensions, which will rise to $41,000—a fulfilment of a promise made in the party’s 2020-2025 manifesto. This single measure alone will inject a significant $4.5 billion annually into the hands of thousands of pensioners, a crucial boost to those who depend on these funds for daily living.

    Similarly, public assistance for persons living with disabilities is set to rise from $19,000 to $22,000, pumping an extra $1.4 billion into the pockets of those most in need. For families, the popular ‘Because We Care’ cash grant will see an increase to $50,000 per child, benefiting more than 200,000 schoolchildren, public and private school alike.

    With an additional $5,000 for school uniforms, the total government support for families with school-age children will amount to a generous $55,000.

    Perhaps one of the most thoughtful measures is the introduction of a $10,000 universal health voucher for every Guyanese, ensuring that all citizens have access to regular health check-ups and medical care.

    Furthermore, new mothers will receive a one-off cash grant of $100,000, providing essential financial support as they care for their newborns.

    Current prices for fruits and vegetables at the Bourda Market in Georgetown

    Easing the burden of rising costs

    The government has also dedicated $9 billion to mitigate the impact of the ever-increasing cost of living. This massive intervention stems from extensive consultations with stakeholders, reflecting the government’s intent to tailor its fiscal response to the unique needs of the population.

    For workers, the government has introduced a series of tax reforms that will leave many with significantly more disposable income.

    A key reform is the increase in the income tax threshold to $130,000 per month. This will immediately reduce the tax burden on workers, putting an extra $8.5 billion into the hands of 22,000 individuals who will be removed from the tax roll entirely.

    Additionally, the rate of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax will be reduced from 28% to 25%, ensuring that more of workers’ earnings are retained.

    For those who are eligible for National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensions but have not met the required contribution levels, the government has earmarked a substantial $10 billion to provide much-needed support.

    Hundreds of attendees at the job fair

    Job creation and skills development 

    In a bid to further enhance household income and employability, the government is extending its part-time jobs initiative, which aims to provide immediate income while helping individuals develop the skills required for full-time employment.

    This initiative, costing the state $11 billion, will offer opportunities for personal growth and financial stability.

    The rice

    Agri sector growth 

    Recognising the importance of agriculture to Guyana’s economy, the budget includes measures to support farmers. The removal of VAT on agricultural machinery and backup generators will save the state over $1 billion annually and provide much-needed relief for the sector.

    Poultry farmers will also benefit from a new tax policy that shortens the depreciation period for capital assets, helping them to offset costs more quickly and increase production.

    Additionally, VAT will be removed on electricity generators, which will benefit business owners, particularly in rural areas, by reducing their overhead costs.

    Education Minister Priya Manickchand [third from right], University of Guyana’s Vice Chancellor, Paloma Mohammed-Martin [third from left] and Health Minister Frank Anthony [second from right] along with other officials at the sod turning ceremony on Friday. (Photo: News Room/November 24, 2023)

    Free education 

    In a move that highlights the government’s long-term commitment to education, Dr Singh announced a monumental $13.1 billion investment into the University of Guyana (UG). This funding will directly support the free tertiary education initiative, benefiting over 11,000 current students and countless new enrollees. The move is part of the government’s broader plan to make higher education accessible to all, without the burden of crippling tuition fees.

    The $100, 000 cash grant 

    The distribution of the $100,000 cash grant continues in 2025, with an additional $30 billion allocated to extend this initiative. When completed, the government will have placed a staggering $60 billion into the hands of citizens, providing them with a financial cushion in these uncertain times.

    Tax reforms 

    In an effort to further ease the tax burden on Guyanese workers, the government has introduced several key reforms. Starting in 2025, overtime pay will no longer be taxed up to $50,000 per month, allowing workers to keep more of their hard-earned money. ‘

    Similarly, individuals with second jobs will see the first $50,000 of their income exempt from tax, providing a much-needed boost to those juggling multiple sources of income.

    The government has also committed to slashing electricity costs by 50% once the gas-to-energy project is completed, further reducing the financial strain on households and businesses. Additionally, tolls will be abolished at the new Demerara River Bridge, as well as the Berbice and Wismar-McKenzie bridges, once the construction is complete, saving commuters a significant amount each month.

    Guyanese currency

    Vison for the future 

    With a bold $90 billion in relief measures, the 2025 budget is a clear signal of the government’s commitment to improving the economic well-being of every Guyanese.

    From increased pensions and health vouchers to tax breaks and free education, these measures are designed to offer immediate relief while investing in the nation’s future.

    As Guyana continues its rapid economic expansion, this budget reflects a thoughtful balance between addressing the pressing needs of today and building a foundation for sustained growth in the years to come.

    The post Guyana unveils record $1.38 trillion budget with $90 billion in relief measures appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Budget 2025: ‘Because we care’ student grant increased to $50,000

    Budget 2025: ‘Because we care’ student grant increased to $50,000

    In a move to further support families and students across Guyana, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh announced a significant increase to the “Because We Care” (BWC) Student Grant, which will now stand at $50,000 per child, benefiting over 205,000 school children.

    This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to alleviate financial burdens on parents while ensuring access to quality education.

    The BWC Student Grant has seen incremental increases since the current administration returned to office, growing from $10,000 in 2014 to $40,000 in 2024.

    With this latest boost to $50,000, the government will place an additional $2 billion into the hands of parents, supporting both public and private school students.

    In addition to the student grant, parents will also receive a $5,000 uniform voucher, bringing the total assistance to $55,000 per child.

    This represents an estimated $11 billion injection into households, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting education and easing the financial burden on families.

    In addition to the increased student grant, Dr. Singh revealed another groundbreaking initiative for the education sector. Following the successful write-off of student loans in 2023, which benefitted over 2,700 individuals, the government is now fulfilling its promise of offering free tertiary education.

    Starting in January 2025, the University of Guyana (UG) will provide universal, tuition-free access for both current and future students. This historic move is set to benefit around 11,000 students annually, at an estimated cost of $13 billion per year.

    This initiative is a continuation of the government’s long-term vision to make education accessible to all, particularly at the tertiary level, which had not been available for over 30 years.

    By removing financial barriers to higher education, the government aims to empower more citizens to pursue careers in various fields, contributing to national development and a skilled workforce.

    The initiative also extends to technical and vocational education. Starting in 2025, students enrolled in government technical and vocational institutions will no longer have to pay tuition fees, making quality vocational training accessible to more than 3,000 students.

    This move highlights the government’s commitment to developing a well-rounded, skilled labour force capable of supporting the country’s growing economy.

    The post Budget 2025: ‘Because we care’ student grant increased to $50,000 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • BUDGET 2025: No VAT on agricultural machinery and generators

    BUDGET 2025: No VAT on agricultural machinery and generators

    In a bold move to foster growth in the agriculture sector and address power challenges, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh unveiled key tax measures in the 2025 national budget, including the removal of VAT on agricultural machinery and backup generators.

    The Finance Minister announced the removal of VAT on agricultural machinery. This includes a wide range of equipment crucial for modern farming, from tractors to automated systems.

    By eliminating VAT on these imports, the government seeks to lower input costs for farmers, making modernisation more affordable and accessible.

    This measure is expected to cost the government over $1 billion annually but is seen as a strategic investment in the future of agriculture.

    With reduced overheads, farmers will have the opportunity to enhance productivity, improve efficiencies, and expand their operations.

    The move is also expected to stimulate innovation within the sector, positioning Guyana as not only self-sufficient but a potential regional supplier of agricultural produce.

    In a further boost to local food production, the Finance Minister also announced a new tax policy for poultry farmers. In line with the government’s goal to meet the growing local demand for poultry and expand the industry regionally, poultry farmers will now benefit from a shortened depreciation period for capital assets such as machinery and equipment used in production.

    This change will allow farmers to recover costs more rapidly, easing the financial strain of upgrading their operations.

    The new measure is designed to encourage investment in the poultry industry, stimulate growth, and support Guyana’s broader food security agenda. By making it easier for farmers to modernise their production facilities, the government hopes to increase domestic poultry production and reduce reliance on imports.

    Another significant change announced was the removal of VAT on electricity generators. This policy shift acknowledges the challenges some areas of the country face in terms of reliable power supply. With frequent power outages impacting businesses and daily life, backup generators have become an essential asset for many sectors.

    By removing VAT on the importation of backup generators, the government aims to ease the financial burden on businesses, particularly those in industries where continuous operations are crucial.

    The measure is expected to cost the government over $200 million annually but will help ensure that businesses can continue operating smoothly, even during power disruptions.

    The post BUDGET 2025: No VAT on agricultural machinery and generators appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • BUDGET 2025: Income tax rate reduced, threshold raised

    BUDGET 2025: Income tax rate reduced, threshold raised

    In a move designed to enhance disposable income and encourage economic growth, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh announced a series of adjustments to the personal income tax regime in his 2025 budget presentation.

    The measures are set to benefit workers, parents, and individuals with multiple income streams, all while incentivising productivity and hard work.

    One of the most notable changes for 2025 is the increase in the income tax threshold. Dr. Singh revealed that, from the 2025 tax year onwards, the threshold will rise to $130,000 per month.

    Those workers who will no longer pay income taxes are those who earn $130,000 or less. What this also means is that individuals will only pay tax on the amounts earned after the first $130,000 is deducted.

    This represents a substantial increase from the previous threshold of $100,000, which was raised from $85,000 in 2024.
    This measure is anticipated to result in $8.5 billion more in disposable income for workers across the country, offering relief to many who may have been feeling the strain of previous tax obligations.

    In a further step to boost disposable income, the Finance Minister also announced a reduction in the personal income tax rate. The tax rate for employed and self-employed individuals will decrease from 28% to 25%. This reduction, estimated to benefit over 100,000 taxpayers, will put an additional $3.6 billion back into the pockets of working individuals.

    In a bid to reward hard work, new tax adjustments will also apply to overtime and second jobs.

    Starting in 2025, the first $50,000 earned from overtime work each month will be non-taxable. This change aims to ensure that workers are fairly compensated for their extra efforts. It is expected that this will cost the government over $600 million annually.

    Similarly, individuals with second jobs will benefit from a tax exemption on the first $50,000 of income earned from those additional sources of employment.

    To further support families, the budget also includes provisions for parents. A new measure will allow parents to claim $10,000 per child each month as non-taxable income.

    This adjustment is designed to increase the disposable income of parents, giving them more financial flexibility to manage household expenses.

    It is projected that the cost of this measure will exceed $1 billion annually, directly benefitting families across the nation.
    The changes to personal income tax, when combined with other measures such as the removal of excise tax on fuel and the adjustment to electricity tariffs, are expected to inject over $90 billion into the economy.

    The post BUDGET 2025: Income tax rate reduced, threshold raised appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • BUDGET 2025: Gov’t to inject $10 billion into NIS

    BUDGET 2025: Gov’t to inject $10 billion into NIS

    To provide support for persons 60 years and older, the Government has budgeted $10 billion for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

    This allocation will see support being offered to persons with 500 to 749 contributions.

    BREAKING: $10 billion injection for NIS to help pensioners

    Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh announced the allocation while presenting the 2025 National Budget.

    According to Dr Singh, the functioning of the NIS is “paramount” in ensuring that those who rely on the agency, whether for medical insurance, old age or survivors benefits have their claims processed “swiftly and efficiently”.

    “Mr. Speaker, since its inception, the NIS has been Guyana’s foremost national institution in providing social security benefits for some of our most vulnerable.

    “In order to provide support for a better quality of living for a number of persons who have attained the age of 60 and have not met the 750 minimum contributions and are not entitled to receive old age pensions,” Dr Singh said.

    The post BUDGET 2025: Gov’t to inject $10 billion into NIS appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • GMR&SC confirms Vitz Cup rules for 2025 racing season

    GMR&SC confirms Vitz Cup rules for 2025 racing season

    Press Release from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club

    The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has officially unveiled the rules for the highly anticipated Vitz Cup, a spec racing series built around the ever-popular Toyota Vitz cars.

    This new racing class is designed to attract both newcomers and seasoned drivers, emphasising affordability, safety and fair competition.

    Key details of the Vitz Cup rules

    The Vitz Cup is open to Toyota Vitz models from 1999 to current production years, accommodating both manual and automatic transmissions.

    All vehicles in this class must retain their stock engines, with no modifications allowed to the engine or its components.

    This ensures the competition remains balanced and prevents excessive spending wars.

    To meet safety standards, all participating cars must be equipped with:

    • A six-point roll cage (bolt-in or otherwise)
    • A bucket racing seat with a proper seatbelt harness
    • A fire extinguisher, easily accessible in case of emergencies
    • Additionally, cars will adhere to a strict minimum weight limit of 2,400 pounds, ensuring parity across the field.

    A cost-effective approach to racing

    GMR&SC executive Luis Kumar

    GMR&SC executive Luis Kumar, who has been an advocate for the introduction of this class, expressed his excitement about the launch.

    “The Vitz Cup is a stock class with very limited upgrades,” Kumar explained.

    “The goal is to keep the costs for racing down and avoid the endless spending wars we see in some other classes. We want this to be a platform for fun, competitive racing without the financial burden.”

    Kumar also emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the series. “All cars will be heavily scrutinised before each race,” he said.

    “Anyone found breaching the regulations will be banned from competition for one year- it’s as simple as that. These rules ensure a level playing field for everyone.”

    A class for the community

    The Vitz Cup is expected to draw significant attention from grassroots racers who want to experience the thrill of motorsport without breaking the bank.

    The Toyota Vitz, known for its reliability and affordability, makes it an ideal choice for a spec racing series.

    By focusing on accessibility and standardised regulations, GMR&SC aims to encourage more participation and create an exciting, fan-friendly racing class.

    The first races of the Vitz Cup are expected to debut in the upcoming season, and anticipation is already building among the racing community.

    The introduction of the Vitz Cup signals GMR&SC’s commitment to growing motorsport in Guyana and providing opportunities for more drivers to experience the adrenaline of racing in a controlled, affordable environment.

    The countdown to the green flag has begun, and the Vitz Cup promises to be a standout addition to the 2025 racing calendar.

    The post GMR&SC confirms Vitz Cup rules for 2025 racing season appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Renowned Track and Field agent urges AAG to ‘sort self’ as opportunities loom for athletes 

    Renowned Track and Field agent urges AAG to ‘sort self’ as opportunities loom for athletes 

    By Akeem Greene

    akeem@newsroom.gy

    Renowned Agent and Manager Cubie Seegobin is of the firm opinion that Guyana has many budding Track and Field talents.

    Still, for those truly to be harnessed, be believes the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) needs to develop proper structures and policies.

    The overseas-based Guyanese, who has represented numerous Olympic athletes, including Yohan Blake, and helped locals Tiana Springer and Emanuel Archibald negotiate deals with Adidas, believes Guyana has innumerable opportunities.

    “My main objective is helping the athletes first and foremost and then helping the AAG…the federation has many problems which they need to sort out themselves”, Seegobin said as he underscored Guyana’s potential in an interview with News Room on Thursday.

    The problems he spoke of were made public over the past few week as a host of internal issues have been ventilated, with top officials going full blast.

    Speaking with local and regional media outlets over the past week, AAG President Aubrey Hutson and General Secretary James Cole painted a clear picture that leaves little doubt about the troubles in Track and Field governance.

    However, Seegobin noted that such issues are not peculiar to Guyana; they are masked in other territories due to their success on the track.

    Many of the issues being cited stem from Hutson’s governance.

    Some say he “micromanages” and has “mismanaged resources.”

    Huston has been President since 2013 and was “suspended” in April 2023 owing to what many deemed a colossal mismanagement of the CARFIFTA team’s attendance at the games in the Bahamas.

    News Room Sport understands that the suspension was not constitutional.

    “There is a sense of entitlement; people think they should be in things for the rest of their lives…they need to sit down and form policies and a structure”, the Track and Field agent contented.

    He highlighted how sport has become big business and the changes that need to be effected to ensure maximum returns.

    “You don’t need sport administrators; you need business administrators,” he opined.

    “Sport is a business, a big business, a billion-dollar business, and you need people who understand business administration.”

    Efforts are being made to have the long overdue Annual General Meeting and the Elections in February.

    If the AAG gets its ‘house in order,’ Seegobin indicated that offers could be made to help boost the sport.

    “Very much so, everyone is coming to Guyana and we can begin,” he stated in response to future opportunities for Guyana athletics.

    Furthermore, he applauded President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. on their open-minded approach to the development of sport.

    The post Renowned Track and Field agent urges AAG to ‘sort self’ as opportunities loom for athletes  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Shakeel, Rizwan lead Pakistan’s recovery after West Indies make early inroads

    Shakeel, Rizwan lead Pakistan’s recovery after West Indies make early inroads

    Half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan wrestled momentum back for Pakistan after Jayden Seales‘ triple-strike had put West Indies in the box seat in Multan.

    On a surface tailor-made for spin, it was the fast bowler who proved the pick of the bunch, exploiting pace and slight seam movement to send debutant Mohammad Hurraira, Kamran Ghulam and Babar Azam back for single figures.

    Pakistan had, at that point, been reduced to 46-4, with West Indies looming ominously over the tail.

    Gudakesh Motie opened the bowling (Photo: PCB)

    But a gritty unbeaten 97-run rearguard for the fifth wicket, from Rizwan and Shakeel, thwarted the visitors for the rest of the day, to ensure Pakistan would end the day with a semblance of control.

    After the start was delayed by four hours owing to heavy fog that enveloped the ground, Pakistan won the toss and batted first in hazy conditions with the floodlights on throughout the course of the day.

    Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie bowled the first ball, an indication of how both sides perceived the pitch upon which each played three specialist spinners.

    Saud Shakeel (left) and Mohammad Rizwan repaired the innings after the early damage (Photos: PCB)

    Motie got rid of Pakistan captain Shan Masood early on, squeezing him down to the debutant wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach on the on-side, but for the rest of the hour, it was Seales’ show.

    He had been sniffing right from the outset, and got his reward when Hurraira hung his bat out and edged to the keeper.

    It was followed up by a beauty to remove Kamran Ghulam, who had just dispatched an outswinger to the boundary.

    The next ball, he attempted to shoulder arms but it seamed back into him wickedly, rapping the thigh, with Hawk-Eye showing it would have clipped the top of off.

    The big fish came soon after, another glorious use of the seam. Seales hit a hard length which Babar looked to parry into the off side, but it shaped away just enough to kiss the outside edge through to Imlach.

    Babar would review, but, like Ghulam, he would not be reprieved.

    Guyanese wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach was presented with West Indies Test cap #341 and claimed three catches on the opening day (Photo: CWI Media)

    The innings threatened to fall apart at that point, but Saud Shakeel, seasoned on surfaces like these, restored some order to proceedings for Pakistan.

    The sting was taken out of the quicks and the spinners negotiated deftly, while Mohammad Rizwan at the other end kept his concentration levels up as West Indies continued to prowl.

    There was a notable acceleration from the pair after tea, right from when Shakeel got to his knees and swept Kevin Sinclair for four.

    It was a shot that brought the pair bounty through the session, giving them a release shot as the ball began to rip.

    The next six overs produced seven boundaries with Rizwan the chief aggressor, brave enough to use his feet to spin and ensuring the strike kept ticking over.

    There remained plenty for the visitors to get excited about. A number of balls beat the outside edge by a whisker, and Shakeel popped one up dangerously close to short midwicket just shy of a half-century.

    But when he got there, and Rizwan followed up soon after, the milestones were both well-deserved.

    By now, the light had been deteriorating consistently, and midway through Kraigg Brathwaite’s first over, the light-metre came out, and the players went off.

    By then, Pakistan were arguably the happier side, having been dragged by Rizwan and Shakeel towards a rather less perilous position than they found themselves in after the first hour. (ESPNcricinfo)

     

    The post Shakeel, Rizwan lead Pakistan’s recovery after West Indies make early inroads appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Tragic accident at city wharf leaves one dead

    Tragic accident at city wharf leaves one dead

    The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has launched an investigation into a fatal workplace accident that occurred on Thursday at the John Fernandes Limited (JFL) Wharf on Water Street, Georgetown.

    The incident claimed the life of 63-year-old Mr. Dallas Sharples, a stevedore (dock worker) employed by John Fernandes Limited.

    Reports suggest that Mr. Sharples was working alongside his colleagues to offload containers from the vessel MV JPO Aquila when the tragic event occurred.

    In response, Senior OSH Officer Mr. Garrway Bourne and OSH Officer Mr. Ray Hosannah were quick to arrive at the scene, where they initiated a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

    Their findings will form the basis for any necessary recommendations to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.

    The Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, has expressed his deepest condolences to Mr. Sharples’ family, colleagues, and friends. He also took the opportunity to emphasise the critical importance of safety and health practices in the workplace, stressing that both employers and employees must remain vigilant in preventing accidents that could lead to devastating losses.

    The post Tragic accident at city wharf leaves one dead appeared first on News Room Guyana.

  • Stung by recent losses, BCCI cracks 10-point whip on men’s national team

    Stung by recent losses, BCCI cracks 10-point whip on men’s national team

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent a 10-point guideline document to India’s contracted men’s players in a bid to “promote discipline, unity and a positive team environment”.

    It is an unprecedented response to a run of poor Test results and comes with a warning that “non-compliance” could result not just in disciplinary action, but heavier sanctions including exclusion from domestic cricket and the IPL, as well as deductions from central contract retainers.

    The policy will be effective immediately.

    The document, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, is titled ‘Policy Document for Team India’.

    It was sent to the players on Thursday.

    The document was prepared by the BCCI, building on suggestions made at a review meeting last weekend with key decision-makers in Indian cricket.

    The review meeting was called by BCCI to assess India’s poor run, starting with the home Test series defeat against New Zealand, where India lost 3-0, followed by the 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

    Present at the review meeting were head coach Gautam Gambhir, the Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

    Here are some of the key points.

    Players cannot travel separately to tours/matches/training

    One of the most significant points discussed at that meeting concerned players not following protocols, which eventually hurt overall atmosphere in the dressing room.

    Instances were cited of players travelling on their own to series, some players travelling separately to the venue rather than in the team bus, and some players not spending enough time with the group at the team training sessions.

    Going forward, the BCCI has said, a player will need a “pre-approved” nod from the head coach or head selector to travel separately to and from matches and training sessions.

    “Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion,” the document said.

    Additionally, the BCCI has said players “are required to stay for the entire duration of scheduled practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue. This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team.”

    Going ahead a player cannot abort a tour or a series even if the match(es) finish earlier than planned.

    “This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics.”

    Families can be around for a maximum two weeks on long tours

    Another key point was whether the presence of players’ families, which became more common after the Covid-19 pandemic, on long tours like the recent one in Australia, was distracting and affecting the focus of players.

    Consequently, the BCCI has said on tours of 45 days or more, players’ immediate families – partners and children (up to 18 years old) – can be with them for no more than 14 days.

    The families can visit only once and their travel arrangements have to be made by the player in question after a nod from the coach, captain and the BCCI’s general manager, operations.

    “The BCCI will cover shared accommodation with the player for the visitors’ period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player,” the document said.

    The BCCI also said that additional costs outside the pre-approved period for the family would be borne by the player.

    No travelling with personal staff

    The BCCI has also said that team members need to “restrict” personal staff on tours.

    This could include, and will not be restricted to, personal managers, chefs, assistants and security.

    “This ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimises logistical challenges. – this has to be done away with.”

    The BCCI has also advised team members to not “engage” in personal commercial shoots on tour or during a series to ensure the “focus remains on cricket and team responsibilities”.

    Domestic cricket ‘mandatory’ for national selection

    The BCCI has reiterated that it’s “mandatory” for players to make themselves available for all domestic cricket. Not doing that could cost them selection for international assignments as well as their central contracts.

    This rule was laid down by the BCCI last year when it said it was a “cause for concern” having noticed the trend of some players “prioritising IPL over domestic cricket”.

    In the fresh guidelines, the BCCI has said: “participation in domestic matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines.

    This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure.

    It also inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression.”

    The BCCI said it would not entertain any exceptions barring “extraordinary circumstances”, which would need the approval by the selection panel head.

    The sanctions

    The BCCI has stressed that players need to “adhere strictly” to the guidelines and if there is any “non-compliance”, there will be “disciplinary action” including sanctions.

    “The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player for participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League and deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI player contract.”

    Implementing such measures, the BCCI said, “ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to established policies and prioritising Indian cricket.” (ESPNcricinfo)

     

    The post Stung by recent losses, BCCI cracks 10-point whip on men’s national team appeared first on News Room Guyana.

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