BCCI restricts players’ family travel on tours to improve focus
text_fields
New Delhi: In response to India’s underwhelming performances in recent Test cricket series, including a 0-3 loss to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed strict measures to enhance focus and improve performance. One significant decision is the restriction on players’ families accompanying them on tours.
This move, made during a review meeting on Saturday in Mumbai, was attended by BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma. The board has reinstated a rule that had been relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic, now limiting the presence of family members during tours.
Under the new regulations, players’ wives and families will not be allowed to travel with them for the full duration of any tour. For tours lasting more than 45 days, families can join players for up to 14 days, while shorter tours will allow family members to accompany players for just seven days.
Officials believe that family presence, particularly during overseas assignments, may distract players and affect their performance. The BCCI has also introduced a new rule requiring players to travel with the team at all times, addressing concerns over some players opting to travel separately in recent years. The board views such instances as disruptive to team cohesion and discipline.
BCCI's New Rules and Restrictions
- Players’ wives and families will not be allowed to stay with them for the entire tour.
- For tournaments lasting over 45 days, families can stay for a maximum of 14 days.
- For shorter tours, family presence will be limited to 7 days.
- All players will be required to travel on the team bus for the duration of the tour.
- Players must pay for any additional luggage charges exceeding 150 kg, as the BCCI will not cover these costs.
- Gautam Gambhir's personal manager will not be allowed to sit in the VIP box or travel on the team bus, and will have to stay in a separate hotel.
With IANS inputs