The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE will see the first implementation of the BCCI’s new travel policy.
The new rules prohibit Indian cricket players from bringing their families to the event, which begins on February 15. Rohit Sharma’s team will play Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20 to start their campaign. Following this will be a highly anticipated match against archrivals Pakistan on February 23 and a final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2.
India will play in Dubai, but the rest of the tournament will be played in three Pakistani venues starting February 19. The trip lasts slightly over three weeks, including the final on March 9, which influenced the BCCI’s decision.
The new regulation allows families to travel with players on 45-day trips for up to two weeks. A top BCCI official told PTI, on condition of anonymity, that no players would bring their wives or partners on this tour.
As of currently, players are unlikely to bring their wives or partners on this tour. One senior player asked about it and was informed the policy decision would be implemented “A senior BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity. Since the tour is under a month, families won’t join players. “If exceptions are made, the individual will have to pay the full cost since BCCI won’t cover it,” he added.
BCCI guideline
“Players away from India for more than 45 days during abroad tours can bring their partners and children (under 18) for one visit each format-wise series of up to two weeks.
“The coach, captain, and GM Operations must approve any policy deviation. BCCI would not compensate expenses outside the visitors’ term.”
In June, July, and August, the BCCI is anticipated to make an exception for the five-Test series in England. During this lengthier tour, families can accompany the team for two weeks. The timetable will be determined later.
After India’s 1-3 setback in Australia raised concerns about discipline and teamwork, the new travel policy was introduced. Since then, managers, agents, and chefs who accompanied players and coaches have been banned to promote team discipline.
Players now travel together for all series thanks to BCCI travel guidelines. The guideline requires players to play domestic cricket whenever possible during international breaks. According to the new rules, a coaching staff member’s personal secretary no longer sleeps at the team hotel, but he is still present during every home series in England.
