BCCI Limits Players’ Family Access for Champions Trophy 2025

News Desk

New Dehli: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has granted players permission to have their families attend one match during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

However, cricketers must obtain prior approval from the board before the selected fixture.

This decision comes in the wake of India’s disappointing performances in recent overseas Test series, including their 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. According to a BCCI official, the move aims to enhance team focus and cohesion.

“To prioritise team bonding and minimize distractions, the BCCI has decided to allow players to have their families present for one match. However, prior approval from the board is mandatory,” the official told India Today on condition of anonymity.

India’s Champions Trophy Fixtures

India will play all its matches at the Dubai International Stadium, facing Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage. If they advance, the semi-final and final will also be held at the same venue.

Strict Travel Guidelines for Players

Following India’s underwhelming performances in recent Test series, the BCCI has introduced stringent protocols concerning players’ families during international tours. While no official directive was previously issued, the board had informally discouraged family visits to ensure players remained fully focused on cricket.

Reports of tensions within the Indian dressing room during the Australia tour, including controversies surrounding Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, alleged leadership disputes, and captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to sit out the final Test, further reinforced the need for such measures.

To maintain discipline and concentration, the BCCI has implemented the following regulations regarding family visits and travel arrangements:

For tournaments lasting 45 days or more, families may stay with players for a maximum of 14 days.

For shorter tours, the duration is limited to seven days.

Players’ wives and partners will not be permitted to stay for the entire tournament.

All players must travel together on the team bus.

Personal luggage exceeding 150kg will not be covered by the BCCI, with players bearing the additional cost.

Gautam Gambhir’s personal manager will not be allowed in the VIP box or on the team bus and must stay in a separate hotel.

The BCCI’s latest directives underscore its commitment to maintaining discipline and ensuring players remain fully focused as India aims to reclaim the Champions Trophy title in 2025.