In a favorable development for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and other members of Team India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly approved players’ families to accompany them during the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. This decision provides essential relief to the players, as the presence of family was initially banned following a stringent 10-point directive released by the board after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat.
According to a Dainik Jagran report, while the BCCI has sanctioned the presence of spouses and family members, a significant limitation is in place. Players will be permitted to have their families with them for only one match. They must coordinate amongst themselves and submit a request to the BCCI, which will then make the necessary arrangements.
Previously, the board enforced a rule allowing families to accompany players for only two weeks on international tours exceeding 45 days. Furthermore, limits were imposed on personal staff and commercial engagements.
For shorter tournaments like the Champions Trophy, families were initially forbidden from traveling with players. However, given the nature of the event, the BCCI has allowed each player to have family members present for one specific match. The precise match for which the players will request approval remains undisclosed.
In an official statement concerning the family policy, the BCCI highlighted its aim of upholding “professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series. ” The policy document, obtained by PTI, further states:
“Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and Head Coach. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI. ”
Additionally, the Board has issued a caution:
“The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player from participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League, deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract. ”
India is poised to commence its Champions Trophy journey against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by encounters against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2.
