ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Indian players given this mind-boggling protocol
Published - 14 Feb 2025, 11:16 AM | Updated - 14 Feb 2025, 11:34 PM
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The India National Cricket Team is set to embark on their journey to Dubai for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 15, but this time, they will be traveling without their families. BCCI's newly introduced travel policy comes into effect for the first time with this tournament.
Men in Blue will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23. Their final group-stage fixture will be against New Zealand on March 2, with all their matches scheduled in Dubai.
BCCI’s new travel policy comes into effect from ICC Champions Trophy 2025
With the event lasting just over three weeks, even if the Men in Blue make it to the final on March 9, the BCCI has decided to enforce a strict travel policy to ensure the squad remains entirely focused on their ICC Champions Trophy title pursuit in the UAE.
A senior BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity, “If anything changes, then it is different, but as of now, the players are unlikely to be accompanied by their wives or partners for this tour. One of the senior players had inquired about it, and he was told that the policy decision will be followed.”
The source further noted, “Since the tour is of less than one month, families won't be accompanying the players. But if exceptions are made, I think that individual will have to bear the full expenses as the BCCI won't be covering any cost.”
BCCI hands over the new SOPs to all players in Ahmedabad
As reported by Cricbuzz, the BCCI has officially shared the new SOPs to all the players that they must follow during India’s tours. These guidelines cover travel, practice sessions, luggage limits, and whether family members can join them.
They were informed about these rules during the third ODI against England in Ahmedabad, and they have been told that these rules are non-negotiable. The Indian cricket team’s touring manager has been ordered by the board to ensure that everyone follows the latest SOPs on the tours, including during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The main aim of these guidelines is to “promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards and operational efficiency during tours and series.” Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) secretary R. Devraj has been appointed as the Indian cricket team manager for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
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'BCCI is very serious about the SOPs'
He has been instructed to strictly enforce these rules, making sure all players stick to the guidelines throughout the tournament in Dubai. A team source said, “There is no going back on this, and the players have been made aware that the BCCI is very serious about the SOPs.”
One of the biggest changes in the new rules is the restriction on personal staff traveling with players during tours. The BCCI has made it clear that personal managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel will not be allowed unless they have special approval to avoid unnecessary logistical issues and ensure a more professional setup.
In the past, some players traveled with large personal associates, including cooks, nannies, and even hairdressers, along with their families. However, the BCCI is now strictly banning all these activities. There is also a new guideline about family members, especially spouses, joining players on overseas tours.
Strict family rules for Indian cricketers on tours
The updated policy reads: “Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) of up to a two-week period. Any deviation from this policy must be pre-approved by the coach, captain, and GM Operations. Additional expenses outside the visitors' period will not be covered by the BCCI.”
Additionally, Indian players must travel by team bus for matches and practice, with no separate arrangements unless pre-approved. The players must attend full practice sessions and travel together. The BCCI also banned personal shoots or endorsements during tours to avoid distractions.
It is being said that the violation of these rules may lead to strict action against the players, and even some of these rules have already been enforced by the BCCI from the recent white-ball series against England at home.
