Indian Cricketers’ Families
In a surprising move following the Indian cricket team’s poor performance in recent series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly barred cricketers’ families from accompanying them on tours. Indian media reported on Tuesday that the decision aims to enhance team focus and performance.
The development comes in the wake of the Indian team’s crushing 0-3 defeat against New Zealand at home and a 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. These back-to-back disappointments have prompted the board to take stringent measures to address the issues affecting players’ performance.
The decision was made during a review meeting held on Saturday in Mumbai, attended by BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma, according to the Hindustan Times.
Among the steps discussed, the board decided to reinstate a rule that prohibits cricketers’ families from joining them on tours. This regulation had been relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic but has now been reintroduced.
As per the new guidelines, family members will only be allowed to accompany players for two weeks if a tournament exceeds 45 days.
For shorter tours, families may join the players for just one week. BCCI officials believe that family members’ presence, particularly during international tours, can distract players and impact their performance.
In addition to this restriction, the BCCI has implemented measures to strengthen team cohesion. Players will no longer be permitted to travel separately and must use the team bus for all movements during tours. “No matter how senior or prominent a player is, they will not be allowed to travel independently,” the report stated.
These measures reflect the board’s determination to rebuild the team’s competitive edge and ensure players remain focused during tours. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the move for better performance, while others question its implications on players’ mental well-being.
