BCCI : In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a special provision allowing Indian players’ families to attend one match during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. This move comes after initial reports suggested that family members would not be permitted to accompany players during the tournament in Dubai.
BCCI Allows Player Families to Attend One Match at ICC Champions Trophy: Special Provision Announced
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BCCI’s New Mandate on Player Travel and Family Presence
The BCCI had previously implemented strict travel policies following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, stating that players’ families could only join them on overseas tours lasting more than 45 days. Given that the ICC Champions Trophy spans just three weeks, there was originally no provision for families to be present. However, after discussions between team management and BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia, an exception has been made.
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, players can now request permission from the BCCI for their families to watch one match live in the stadium. While this does not allow families to stay with the players for the entire tournament, it provides a brief opportunity for them to support their loved ones in person.
Stringent Travel and Training Rules Remain in Place
Despite this relaxation, BCCI has maintained its firm stance on team travel and training protocols. The new mandate stipulates that:
- Players must travel together at all times using team buses.
- No player can travel to training sessions alone or leave early without special permission from the board.
- Any exceptions must be pre-approved by the BCCI.
India’s Champions Trophy Campaign Kicks Off
The Indian cricket team is set to begin their ICC Champions Trophy journey on February 20th against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. Their campaign continues with a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, followed by a key match against New Zealand. India’s matches will be hosted in Dubai, as the team has declined to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.
What This Means for Players and Fans
The decision to allow families to attend one game strikes a balance between ensuring team focus and providing emotional support for players. Given the intense competition of the ICC Champions Trophy, having loved ones in the stands for even a single match could be a significant morale booster.
For fans, this move underscores the BCCI’s willingness to adapt policies in response to team needs while upholding discipline and unity within the squad. As India embarks on its Champions Trophy journey, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and his men as they strive for international glory.
