But now, even the players realise that there’s nothing much they can do till maybe Indian cricket hits another high and they are back in demand. One of the two players this paper contacted to discuss this issue summed it up like this: “All I can tell you is that this is not over yet.”

The New Team

• Rahul Dravid retained as captain for tours of Bangladesh and England, besides a one-day series in Ireland.

• Ravi Shastri appointed ‘Cricket Manager’ for the tour of Bangladesh.

• Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh appointed bowling and fielding coach respectively.

• Player contract system scrapped. Players to be paid match fees with bonus for each series win.

The New Rules

• Players’ personal endorsements restricted to three products and not more than two players to endorse a sponsor other than those contracted to the Board. ·

• No player endorses a product two weeks before and after a series.

• No player to have exclusive contract with the electronic or print media. Only the captain shall write columns.

• All India players to play a stipulated number of domestic matches when not on national duty.

• Fitness test before every tour.