As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025, fans are curious about how the Indian cricket team will prepare and perform against formidable opponents. With the tournament slated to begin on February 19, the Indian team will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. A pressing question is whether players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be joined by their families on this crucial overseas tour. Recent updates reveal that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a new travel policy that dictates players will travel alone, marking a significant shift in team operations.
Families Will Not Accompany Team India to Dubai
According to a report by PTI, Indian cricket players are set to depart for Dubai on February 15, and family members will not accompany them. This new travel policy introduced by the BCCI is being implemented for the first time in this tournament. The Indian team is under pressure as they prepare for their opening match on February 20, followed by a crucial encounter against Pakistan on February 23. An insider from the team mentioned that given the short duration of the tour, it wouldn’t make sense for family members to travel along, especially considering that the trip is less than a month long. Under the BCCI’s stipulations, if any tour extends beyond 45 days, players’ families may join them for a period of two weeks. This decision came in the wake of a disappointing Test series defeat against Australia.
BCCI Enforces Strict Regulations on Players
The ongoing efficacy of BCCI’s regulations is evident as they have become fully operational. All players are now required to travel to practice together in a single bus, eliminating any individual transportation options. Furthermore, players not included in the squad are recommended to participate in domestic cricket competitions; for instance, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was excluded from the Champions Trophy team, is now expected to represent Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Additionally, the BCCI plans to distance players from their personal secretaries and chefs during the tournament, placing the onus of personal arrangements on the players themselves. This strict operational framework is intended to enhance team cohesion and focus on performance during the prestigious Champions Trophy.