India, Jan. 23 -- BCCI's 'guidelines' on player conduct during tours is not a polite suggestion but a sharp warning. In one bold stroke, it has downsized the inflated egos of top stars.

The tough stand was needed because in a team sport, individuals have to be equal and the group must play by certain ground rules. More so during overseas tours when players are together for an extended period and the last thing you want is class distinctions to emerge that disrupt harmony.

On tours, players' conduct becomes more important because they represent the BCCI, also India. They are India's sporting ambassadors - no wonder the Aussie PM invited them to his official residence for a reception.

Protocols governing player behaviour and team conduct...