Virat Kohli’s smart food hack in Dubai amid BCCI’s strict rule: Here’s how he did it

Dubai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has enforced stringent new regulations ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, introducing a 10-point guideline that eliminates extra luxuries for players.

Under these rules, personal chefs, assistants, and security staff are no longer allowed on overseas tours. This means that even senior players like Virat Kohli must adjust to the revised protocols. 

As per a Times of India report, Virat Kohli has found a way to maintain his strict diet despite BCCI’s ban on personal chefs, assistants, and security staff. Upon arriving in Dubai, Kohli coordinated with a local team manager to arrange meals from a well-known restaurant, ensuring he adhered to his nutrition plan without breaking any rules.

The report detailed that shortly after reaching the training venue, Kohli received a food packet arranged by the manager.

“It contained a few boxes of Kohli’s post-session meal. While others packed their kit bags, Kohli was refuelling and even saved a box for the road,” the report stated.

The BCCI's new policy prohibits players from bringing personal staff on tours without board approval and requires them to stay with the team until the series ends. For overseas tours longer than 45 days, partners and children (under 18) can visit once per series for up to two weeks, with BCCI covering shared accommodation— a rule that also applies to head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose personal assistant must now stay separately.

Preparations in full swing

Team India kicked off their training in Dubai ahead of the Champions Trophy, with Virat Kohli leading the charge in the nets against Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. The squad arrived in the UAE on February 16 and is focused on refining its batting approach, particularly in the middle and death overs.

India begins its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, the marquee clash against Pakistan on February 23 remains the most anticipated fixture of the tournament.

During the training session, players were divided into three teams for a practice drill. Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shreyas Iyer formed one team and emerged victorious, with Rohit’s throw sealing the win. The second team included Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Washington Sundar, while the third featured Kuldeep Yadav, KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, and Virat Kohli.

The Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, with co-hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match. 

New travel regulations 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out a fresh set of regulations for the Indian men’s cricket team, focusing on discipline, logistics, and team unity. Here’s a quick look at the key guidelines:

Key highlights:

• Travel & team discipline: Players must travel with the team for all matches and practice sessions. Personal travel arrangements with families are discouraged unless pre-approved.

• Baggage limits: Strict luggage restrictions are in place—players can carry 4–5 pieces (up to 150 kg) on overseas tours, while support staff have lower limits. Excess baggage costs must be borne individually.

• No personal staff: Players cannot bring personal managers, chefs, assistants, or security personnel on tours unless explicitly approved by BCCI.

• Equipment transfers: Any personal items sent to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru must be coordinated with team management, with separate shipping costs borne by players.

• Family travel policy: Partners and children (under 18) can visit players during overseas tours lasting over 45 days, limited to one visit per series for up to two weeks. BCCI covers shared accommodation, but all other expenses are on the player.

• Mandatory team stay: Players must remain with the team until the scheduled end of a series, even if matches finish earlier.

These measures reinforce BCCI’s focus on discipline, logistical efficiency, and maintaining a strong team environment.