//BCCI’s New Travel Policy: No Families to Accompany Team India for ICC Champions Trophy 2025//
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a new travel policy that restricts families from accompanying Team India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. The tournament, set to begin on February 19, will see Rohit Sharma-led India kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by their much-anticipated clash with Pakistan on February 23 and their final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2.
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Indian players celebrate after winning the One Day International (ODI) cricket series against England, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. |
This policy marks a significant shift from previous tours, as families have often traveled with players during major tournaments. However, given the short duration of just over three weeks, the BCCI has decided not to allow families to join the players this time.
BCCI’s New Travel Policy Explained
The BCCI’s updated regulations state that families can only travel with players if a tour lasts 45 days or more. In such cases, they are permitted to stay with the players for a maximum of two weeks. However, since the Champions Trophy is a short tournament, players will have to manage without their loved ones by their side.
A senior BCCI official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed this policy:
“As of now, players are unlikely to be accompanied by their wives or partners for this tour. One of the senior players had enquired about it and was told that the policy decision will be followed strictly.”
If any exceptions are made, the player in question will have to bear the entire cost, as the BCCI will not cover expenses for family members during the tournament.
The policy also mentions that any deviation from these rules must be pre-approved by the coach, captain, and GM Operations. Additionally, personal staff like managers, agents, and chefs who previously stayed in the team hotel will now be required to stay at separate accommodations.
The Reason Behind the New Rules
This strict travel policy comes after India’s disappointing tour of Australia, where they lost the Test series 1-3. Reports suggested a lack of discipline and cohesion in the dressing room, prompting the BCCI to introduce new rules to maintain focus during crucial tournaments.
Apart from the family travel restrictions, the BCCI has also enforced new protocols, including:
- No private vehicles for players to travel to practice sessions.
- Mandatory participation in domestic cricket during breaks from international duties.
- Restrictions on personal staff, ensuring that managers and agents stay in separate hotels.
The BCCI believes these measures will promote discipline, improve team bonding, and ensure that players remain focused on their performances during major tournaments.
Impact on Team India’s Champions Trophy Campaign
While some players may find it challenging to be away from their families, the policy ensures that the team maintains complete focus during the tournament. India will be playing all its group-stage matches in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament takes place across three venues in Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is a crucial event for India, as they aim to add another ICC title to their collection. Despite the absence of key bowler Jasprit Bumrah due to injury, the team has a strong squad led by Rohit Sharma, with experienced players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja playing key roles.
India’s group-stage fixtures:
- February 20 – vs Bangladesh (Dubai)
- February 23 – vs Pakistan (Dubai)
- March 2 – vs New Zealand (Dubai)
If India advances to the knockout rounds, they will play the semi-finals and finals in Pakistan, with the final scheduled for March 9.
Families to Join Players for England Tour
While families will not be present for the Champions Trophy, they will be allowed during the team’s five-Test tour of England in June-July-August. The BCCI will decide on the specific two-week window when families can join the players during that series.
The Champions Trophy will be the first major tournament where this new travel policy is enforced, and it remains to be seen how it impacts the team’s morale and performance. However, with a strong squad and clear focus, Team India will be determined to bring home the Champions Trophy once again.
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