Image Credit: BCCI
Jadeja Violates BCCI SOP at Edgbaston, But Likely to Avoid Punishment
Team India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has found himself at the centre of a minor controversy during the ongoing Test series against England. Ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston, Jadeja violated the BCCI’s new travel SOPs by reaching the stadium alone, rather than with the rest of the squad in the team bus. However, given the circumstances and his vital contribution with the bat, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unlikely to take disciplinary action.
Jadeja Arrives Early, Breaches SOP
As per the BCCI’s updated Standard Operating Procedure, all players are expected to arrive and leave match venues together, a protocol introduced after previous lapses during the Australia tour. Jadeja, however, chose to reach the Edgbaston ground ahead of time to get in extra batting practice. This move broke the collective travel mandate, but it was driven by match preparedness rather than personal convenience.
Jadeja Justifies Decision With Performance
Jadeja later explained, “Somewhere I felt that I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new.” The decision turned out to be crucial. Jadeja scored a gritty 89, anchoring a 203-run partnership with Shubman Gill, which turned the tide of the match in India’s favour. His early session allowed him to adjust to the conditions and tackle the new ball with confidence—a strategy that yielded results on the scoreboard.
BCCI Unlikely to Penalise
While technically a breach of rules, the BCCI appears to have taken a pragmatic stance. Considering the performance impact and Jadeja’s team-oriented intent, officials are expected to let the matter slide without formal reprimand. Team management, too, has reportedly viewed the situation through the lens of intent and outcome rather than rigid enforcement.
