India’s Champions Trophy Journey Rohit-Kohli to Travel Without Families
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh, with the match scheduled for February 20 in Dubai. The Indian cricket team will depart for Dubai on February 15. However, during the three-week tournament, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the rest of the squad will not be accompanied by their families. This marks the first implementation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new travel policy.
What Does the New Travel Policy Say?
According to BCCI’s updated travel guidelines, Indian players can spend a maximum of two weeks with their families during overseas tours lasting at least 45 days. However, this rule does not apply to the Champions Trophy since the tournament is shorter than a month. The competition, hosted in Karachi, will run from February 19 to March 9. Even if India reaches the final, BCCI will not allow players to have their families with them.
India will play three group-stage matches in Dubai. Rohit Sharma’s team will face Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2.
No Exceptions for Players’ Requests
A senior BCCI official told PTI that, as of now, no players’ wives or partners would be allowed on the tour. “If any changes occur later, that’s a different matter. But for now, the policy remains unchanged. One senior player had inquired about this, and he was informed that the board’s decision would be strictly followed,” he said.
However, if any player wishes to bring their family due to exceptional circumstances, they will have to bear the entire cost themselves, as BCCI will not cover the expenses.
What About Future Tours?
As per BCCI regulations, players can have their families with them for up to two weeks during international tours exceeding 45 days. However, prior approval from the coach, captain, and GM of operations is required. This rule will come into effect during India’s five-Test series in England from June to August, where a two-week window for family visits will be scheduled.
The Reason Behind This Policy
After India’s 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in December-January, BCCI introduced the new travel policy to reinforce discipline in the dressing room. A senior BCCI official stated, “If you notice, no player now asks for personal vehicles to attend training.”
Additionally, players like Kohli and Rohit have adhered to BCCI’s rule of participating in domestic cricket during international breaks. Previously, players’ personal staff—such as managers, agents, or chefs—were allowed to stay in the team hotel, but this has now been strictly regulated. A personal secretary of one of the coaching staff members, who was frequently seen at the team hotel, had to stay elsewhere during India’s recent home series against England.
However, BCCI will bring a few chefs on the tour to cater to players with special dietary requirements.
Conclusion
Due to BCCI’s new travel policy, Rohit, Kohli, and the rest of the Indian squad will have to play the Champions Trophy without their families. The policy is unlikely to change for this tour, but players will have family visit opportunities during longer series in the future.
