As per the recent review meeting, cricketers' families can stay for two weeks on tours over 45 days and seven days on shorter trips.




In a move aimed at streamlining operations and reinforcing discipline, the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI has proposed new policies concerning players’ families, travel norms, and personal luggage during tours. These measures were discussed during a review meeting held last Saturday, following India’s disappointing Test series loss to Australia earlier this month. While still in the planning stages, the proposed rules represent a return to stricter protocols, similar to those in place before the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the key proposals is to limit the duration for which players’ families can accompany them on tours. According to the discussion, if a series lasts more than 45 days, players’ wives or families will be permitted to stay with the team for up to two weeks. For shorter tours, this allowance will be reduced to just seven days. This marks a significant departure from the relaxed policies adopted during the pandemic, when players were allowed to have their families with them throughout the tour. The relaxed rules were introduced to provide comfort and emotional support to players living in restrictive bio-bubbles for extended periods. However, with the pandemic-era challenges largely behind, the BCCI is reconsidering the need for such leniency.

The decision to revisit these rules seems to stem from a desire to enhance focus and discipline within the team setup. Some BCCI office-bearers reportedly believe that curbing family involvement could help players maintain a professional mindset, especially during critical tours. The embarrassing defeat against Australia has prompted calls for stricter measures to ensure better performance and cohesion within the team.

Despite the proposal’s intent, it remains unclear whether these new restrictions will be implemented for the upcoming Champions Trophy or the tour of England later this year. These high-profile events will be pivotal for the team, and the BCCI is likely weighing the pros and cons of introducing stricter family stay limits during such crucial tournaments.

Another significant aspect discussed at the meeting was the need to ensure team unity and bonding. To this end, the BCCI has proposed that players and coaches exclusively use the team bus for travel during tours. This suggestion is rooted in the belief that traveling together fosters a sense of camaraderie among team members. While this has always been an unwritten rule, reports suggest that some players have recently started using alternate modes of transportation. The board views this as a deviation from the established norm and intends to address it firmly.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra took to social media to share his thoughts on the proposed team bus policy. “All players will have to travel on the team bus? Finding this one most amusing. Wasn’t that always the norm? If it isn’t the case anymore, it’s worth finding out who changed that and why,” Chopra wrote. His remarks highlight the curious shift away from what was once a standard practice and underscore the need for greater adherence to team protocols.

In addition to addressing family stays and team travel, the BCCI is considering implementing a new policy regarding players’ luggage during tours. According to the proposal, if a player’s baggage exceeds 150 kilograms, any additional charges incurred will not be covered by the BCCI. Instead, players will be required to bear the cost themselves. This move aims to encourage players to travel more efficiently and responsibly, reducing unnecessary logistical burdens for the board.

These proposed measures reflect the BCCI’s broader effort to instill greater professionalism within the team environment. By setting clear boundaries on family involvement, enforcing collective travel norms, and regulating personal baggage, the board hopes to create a more focused and disciplined setup. These changes, however, also raise questions about the balance between professional demands and personal well-being. While the pandemic-era policies were introduced to support players through unprecedented challenges, the return to stricter rules may be perceived as a step back by some.

The timing of these proposals is particularly significant. India’s recent performance in the Test series against Australia has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for a thorough review of the team’s preparation and conduct. The BCCI’s proposed rules appear to be part of a broader strategy to address these concerns and ensure that the team is better prepared for future challenges. By focusing on discipline and unity, the board aims to eliminate distractions and foster an environment conducive to success.

However, the proposed changes are not without their skeptics. Critics argue that limiting family involvement may not necessarily translate into improved performance. On the contrary, the presence of loved ones can provide emotional stability and reduce stress, especially during long and demanding tours. Balancing the personal and professional needs of players is a delicate task, and the BCCI will need to tread carefully to avoid alienating its players.

Similarly, the proposed team bus policy has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why the norm was allowed to lapse in the first place. Ensuring strict adherence to this rule will require consistent enforcement and clear communication from the board. Players will need to understand the rationale behind these measures to avoid potential friction.

The luggage policy, while seemingly minor, also reflects a shift towards greater individual responsibility. By holding players accountable for their excess baggage, the BCCI aims to streamline logistics and reduce unnecessary expenses. However, this rule may face pushback from players who feel that such restrictions are overly stringent.

As the BCCI moves forward with these proposals, it will need to carefully consider their implications and gather feedback from stakeholders. Engaging players, coaches, and support staff in the decision-making process will be crucial to ensuring the successful implementation of these rules. Transparency and open communication will play a key role in fostering a sense of collective responsibility and ownership.

In conclusion, the BCCI’s proposed policies signal a renewed focus on discipline, unity, and professionalism within the Indian cricket team. By addressing issues related to family involvement, team travel, and personal baggage, the board aims to create a more structured and cohesive team environment. While these measures may face some resistance, they reflect a genuine effort to address the challenges facing Indian cricket and prepare the team for future success. As the board deliberates on the implementation of these rules, it will need to strike a careful balance between maintaining discipline and supporting the well-being of its players. Only time will tell whether these changes will yield the desired results.