According to reports, Jadeja arrived at the stadium on his own—well before the rest of the team—violating the BCCI’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which was introduced earlier this year following India’s underwhelming tour of Australia.
Jadeja Arrives Solo, Breaches Travel Rule
The BCCI’s revised SOP clearly states that players must travel together in the official team bus for all matches, training sessions, and official duties. Any deviation—like traveling separately—requires prior approval and is only allowed under exceptional circumstances.
Jadeja, however, opted to reach the stadium early on Day 2 to get in some extra batting practice. His decision was purely performance-based, and he explained the reasoning behind it during the post-day press conference.
“I just felt I needed to bat a bit more because the ball was still new. If I could see off that initial phase, it would get easier for the rest of the innings,” Jadeja said. “Thankfully, I managed to bat until lunch, and then Washington and Shubman carried on the momentum. In England, the more time you spend at the crease, the better. You never really feel set—there’s always a ball with your name on it.”
And the results were there to see. Jadeja scored a vital 89 off 137 balls, playing a key role in India’s commanding first-innings total of 587. His partnerships with Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar helped cement India’s strong position in the match.
No Action Likely Despite Breach
Although Jadeja’s early arrival technically went against the SOP, ESPNcricinfo reported that the BCCI is unlikely to take disciplinary action. Sources suggest the team management understood Jadeja’s intent was purely professional, not a case of misconduct.
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What’s in the New SOP?
Introduced in early 2025, the BCCI’s updated SOP is a 10-point code aimed at improving professionalism and discipline across all levels. Some key points include:
- Mandatory group travel to venues for matches and practice sessions.
- No personal entourage, such as chefs, security personnel, or stylists.
- Limited personal outings, especially on match days, without prior clearance.
- Controlled media access, including mandatory approval for public statements and social media activity during series.
While Jadeja may have technically broken a rule, his dedication to preparation was clear—and it paid off on the field.