After BGT Loss, No Families To Travel With Team India For Champions Trophy 2025

BCCI’s New Family Travel Policy for Champions Trophy 2025

As India gears up for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new mandate regarding the travel of players’ families. This policy is set to impact the team’s preparations and dynamics during the prestigious tournament, marking a shift in the BCCI’s approach to managing players and their personal commitments during tours.

BCCI Mandates Family Travel Restrictions for Champions Trophy 2025

• No Family Members on Short Tours: For the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, players’ families will not be allowed to travel with them, as the tournament will last for less than a month. This restriction applies even if India advances to the final of the tournament.
• Tournament Schedule:
  • Group A Matches: India will open their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by a high-voltage clash with Pakistan on February 23, and their final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2.
  • Semifinals: The semifinals are scheduled for March 4 and March 5.
  • Final: The final match will take place on March 9.
• Family Travel Policy for Longer Tours: The BCCI’s policy permits players’ families to accompany them on longer tours lasting 45 days or more, but they can stay for a maximum of two weeks. Since the Champions Trophy falls short of this duration, families will not be allowed to join the players.
• Exceptions to the Policy: If any exceptions are made, the players will need to bear the full costs for their families’ travel, as the BCCI will not cover the expenses for family members.
• Clarification from Senior Players: A senior player raised a query about the policy, and it was confirmed that the decision to follow the mandate is final. As the tournament is less than a month long, players’ families will not be allowed to accompany them.

BCCI’s Ongoing Implementation of New Rules

• Participation in Domestic Cricket: The BCCI has already put various aspects of the new policy into practice. Players have been actively involved in domestic cricket, participating in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 to remain eligible for central contracts and national team selection. Key players like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and others have played for their respective teams.
• Team Travel and Discipline: In addition to the family travel restrictions, the BCCI has enforced rules requiring players to travel together for practice sessions. During the recent England series, the team adhered to these travel rules, where players traveled as a group by team bus to practice venues in Kolkata and Nagpur.
• Team Unity and Professionalism: The BCCI has also ensured that no player can use private vehicles for practice sessions, reinforcing the importance of team unity and discipline. This policy is designed to minimize distractions and maintain a professional environment for the Indian team throughout the tournament.

Conclusion

With the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, the BCCI’s new family travel policy emphasizes team discipline, focus, and professionalism. By limiting family involvement during the short duration of the tournament, the board aims to streamline the team’s operations and reduce distractions. This new approach is in line with the BCCI’s ongoing efforts to enhance the performance of the Indian team in major international events.