BCCI bars players from staying with families during T20 World Cup, sticks to previously decided policy: Report

The T20 World Cup got underway on February 7, and India won its opening match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai after Suryakumar Yadav stepped up with the bat. The team would play three group-stage matches in India, with one game in Colombo against Pakistan on February 15. The defending champions played several bilateral series before the World Cup, and families were not allowed to stay with the team.

The report further confirmed that the team would be travelling on a private charter throughout the tournament. The players have their personal chefs with them, but have booked them at the nearest hotel possible, where they can cook the food and send it over.

The BGT loss changed it all

Ever since the onset of COVID-19, Indian players were allowed to have their families stay with them throughout an away tour. However, the loss against Australia changed everything after the support staff revealed that some players were not available for internal meetings and planning sessions because they chose to stay with their partners or kids.

This led the BCCI to go back to the drawing board, and in January 2025, it was announced that players wouldn't be allowed to have families stay with them for more than 14 days if a tour lasted 45 days or more.

The loss against Australia also led the BCCI to make it mandatory for centrally contracted players to turn out in domestic cricket if they want to remain in the selection fray for the national team.

Speaking of the T20 World Cup, the Indian team will next face Namibia on Thursday, February 12, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Following this match, the defending champs will travel to Colombo for the high-octane clash against Pakistan.

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