Our Bureau
New Delhi
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has barred players from staying with their families during the ongoing T20 World Cup, sticking to a previously decided policy aimed at maintaining focus and discipline. The decision comes after the Indian team management sought clarity on whether wives and fiancées could travel with the squad, only to be turned down by the board. Players are allowed separate family arrangements, but not cohabitation during the tournament.
This policy, implemented in January 2025 following India’s 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, limits family stays to 14 days on tours exceeding 45 days. The change stemmed from complaints by support staff that some players missed internal meetings due to family commitments. The team will travel via private charter, with personal chefs booked at nearby hotels to prepare meals.
India, defending champions, opened the World Cup with a win over the USA in Mumbai and faces Namibia in Delhi on February 12 before a high-stakes clash against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. The move underscores BCCI’s prioritization of performance over personal comforts, a stance that has drawn mixed reactions from fans and players alike.
