Virat Kohli with Anushka Sharma and Rohit's wife Ritika (Source:@AkshatOM10,x.com)
In a significant development the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly permitted players to have their families accompany them during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. However, this comes with strict conditions: players can have their families with them for only one match.
BCCI's Conditional Approval For Players
Initially, under BCCI’s new 10-point policy, issued after India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss, families were entirely barred from travelling for short tournaments like the Champions Trophy. However, considering the high-pressure nature of the event, the board has relaxed the rule.
As per the report by Dainik Jagran, players will need to mutually decide and submit a request to BCCI regarding the match for which they want their families present. Once approved, the board will make arrangements accordingly.
It is important to note that earlier, the BCCI had already implemented strict regulations regarding players' engagements. These included a two-week limit for family stays on overseas tours that last longer than 45 days. Restrictions on personal staff and commercial shoots during the series. Mandatory approval from the selection committee chairman and Head Coach for any exceptions.
While issuing the new policy for family members, the BCCI said in a statement that it intends to "ensure professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series. 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," the policy, which is in possession of PTI, said.
India's Road To Champions Trophy 2025
The Men in Blue are set to kick off their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by the much-anticipated clash with Pakistan on February 23 and a crucial encounter against New Zealand on March 2.