In a significant policy shift, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to permit Indian cricketers to have their families accompany them for one match during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. This decision marks a departure from the stricter family restrictions the Board had implemented in recent years.
Previously, the BCCI had enforced a 10-point directive to maintain discipline among players, limiting the time families could accompany them on tours. Under these guidelines, players on tours exceeding 45 days were allowed family visits for only two weeks. Reports had initially suggested that families wouldn’t be permitted for the Champions Trophy, causing concern among some players.
However, after senior players reportedly raised concerns, the BCCI reconsidered its policy. One player is said to have specifically requested an exemption for the Champions Trophy, which may have influenced the decision. While families will now be allowed to attend one match, players will bear the cost of travel and stay, as the Board will not cover these expenses.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, is set to play all its group-stage matches in Dubai. Placed in Group A, they will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23, before concluding the group stage against New Zealand on March 2. If they qualify, they will proceed to the semifinals and finals at the same venue.
Alongside its family policy changes, the BCCI has also introduced new regulations on player luggage. This follows an incident during India’s tour of Australia, where a player was spotted with 27 bags, including items for family members and personal assistants. To prevent such excesses, the Board has now capped luggage at 150kg per player, with any extra baggage costs to be borne by the individual.
This revised approach strikes a balance between maintaining discipline and acknowledging the players’ need for personal time. The allowance of family attendance for one match is expected to provide a morale boost while ensuring the BCCI’s structured guidelines remain in place.
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