In a bold move to sharpen focus and boost performance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has enforced a strict no-family policy for Indian cricketers during the T20 World Cup. Reports indicate that family members will not be allowed to accompany players throughout the tournament, prioritizing team discipline amid high-stakes matches.
The decision underscores BCCI’s commitment to maintaining peak concentration, especially as India prepares for crucial group stage clashes. Three of India’s league matches will unfold on home soil, offering familiar turf, yet the board remains unwavering. According to guidelines, for tournaments exceeding 45 days, families get a 14-day window; shorter tours limit it to seven days. However, for this T20 campaign, even these allowances are off the table.
Team management had sought clarification on permitting families, but BCCI firmly reiterated its stance: no companions during the tour. Sources reveal that while independent travel arrangements are possible, players must adhere strictly to team schedules. This policy, reinstated in January after a COVID-era suspension, aims to eliminate distractions, particularly in overseas fixtures.
India’s recent setbacks—a 0-3 home loss to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia—have amplified concerns over focus. Officials believe family presence could divert attention, impacting outcomes in pressure-packed games. Compounding this, all squad members are mandated to travel solely with the team.
Kicking off with a victory over the USA, India eyes momentum against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, followed by a blockbuster clash with Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. With the Super Sixes and knockouts looming, BCCI’s tough call could prove pivotal in reclaiming T20 glory.