The BCCI is ready to implement stricter protocols with the Indian cricket team, including limiting the time players spend with their families on tour and banning independent movement of players while commuting to practices and matches.
On tours longer than 45 days, the player’s immediate family (partner and children) may not be present for more than 14 days, and may not be present at all during the first two weeks of the tour. On shorter tours, families may accompany players for up to a week.
These guidelines were part of player contracts, but were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic when players were given the option to make their families part of the team bubble with their mental health in mind.
India captain Rohit Sharma, coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar met BCCI secretariat officials in Mumbai on Saturday for the first time since the Australia tour. Team leadership has been informed of a return to previous protocols.
Part of those protocols mandate that all players travel on team buses. This is a time-honored practice that some players have been known to ignore recently.
As things stand, BCCI will pay for the family’s accommodation during the trip but not their travel expenses. As long as the length and timing of your stay meets the protocols, this policy will not change.
Sports associations have been grappling with this issue for a long time. Should the athlete’s partner and children be able to travel with them, and for how long? The IPL’s Chennai Super Kings are an example of the presence of families working for the team, but there are countless examples of teams banning partners from team accommodation. Brazil won the 2019 Copa America with their partners banned from visiting. Then there are the cases of Australian swimmers who publicly criticized a similar ban during the 2012 Olympics, complaining of feelings of loneliness and loss of motivation.
Indian cricket has no set answer to this question. The last time family presence was discussed was in 2018 when then-skipper Virat Kohli reportedly asked for norms to be relaxed.
Current coach Gambhir said: india today “Opinions from players vary. Only individuals can speak as they have to play Test matches. Some want their families to be with them throughout the tour, while others spend very little time with their families and are trying to concentrate. “Whatever decision is taken, it must be taken in the best interest of Indian cricket.”
