VVS Laxman Clarifies BCCI Rehabilitation Protocols and Addresses Reports on Personal Trainers
VVS Laxman, head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, has clarified the rehabilitation and monitoring protocols governing injured players. Speaking during a media briefing, Laxman addressed recent reports regarding cricketers allegedly using personal trainers during their recovery programs and outlined the data-driven systems used by the board’s fitness staff.
What Happened
During a press conference on Sunday, August 9, 2026, Laxman addressed media queries regarding the rehabilitation of senior men’s team players at the Bengaluru facility. In response to reports suggesting that certain injured players were utilizing personal fitness trainers at the Centre of Excellence, Laxman expressed surprise at the claims, stating that the responsibility for contracted players rests directly with the Indian team’s strength and conditioning (S&C) staff.
Laxman emphasized that injured cricketers are subject to strict return-to-play guidelines, which require them to successfully complete two Return To Play matches and achieve specified fitness benchmarks before receiving clearance to participate in domestic or international cricket fixtures.
Key Highlights
- Mandatory Benchmarks: Injured players must clear defined fitness metrics and take part in two Return To Play matches prior to squad selection.
- Response to Personal Trainer Reports: Laxman stated that claims of players using private trainers were news to him, affirming that official S&C coaches oversee player tracking.
- Comprehensive Tracking: All player activity is logged through the Athlete Management System (AMS) along with GPS tracking to record sessions in real time.
- Qualified Staff: Laxman highlighted the expertise of the board’s fitness staff, noting men’s trainer Adrian and women’s team S&C professional Nick.
- Upcoming Fixtures: The Centre of Excellence is scheduled to host the Duleep Trophy starting August 23, 2026.
Why This Matters
The rehabilitation framework at the Centre of Excellence ensures standardized monitoring across senior, targeted, and age-group cricketers. By integrating real-time GPS tracking and centralizing data in the Athlete Management System, the BCCI maintains direct medical and fitness supervision over players aiming to return to competitive cricket.
What to Watch Next
The Centre of Excellence will host the season-opening domestic tournament, the Duleep Trophy, beginning on August 23, 2026, as part of the board’s competitive schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for an injured player to return to competitive cricket?
According to Laxman, players must meet specific, data-driven fitness benchmarks and complete two Return To Play matches before they are cleared for national or domestic selection.
How does the BCCI Centre of Excellence monitor player fitness sessions?
The facility uses an Athlete Management System (AMS) combined with GPS tracking technology to log and supervise every training and rehabilitation session undertaken by players.
What did VVS Laxman say regarding personal trainers at the facility?
Laxman stated that the reports were news to him, reiterating that official BCCI strength and conditioning staff are responsible for managing and tracking contracted and targeted cricketers.
Source: Crictracker