The Board of Control for Cricket in India has made it clear that there will be no relaxation in its strict protocols for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, as India prepare to defend their title on home soil. The governing body has rejected a request from the Indian team management seeking permission for players’ families to stay with them during the tournament.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the request was put forward by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who asked whether wives and fiancées of players could be allowed to stay with the squad during the marquee event. However, the BCCI has declined the proposal, choosing to stick to the rigid guidelines introduced after India’s disappointing 3–1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
One of the most debated rules under these guidelines limits the duration for which family members can accompany players on long tours. As per the directive, families are allowed to stay with players for a maximum of 15 days on tours extending beyond 45 days. The T20 World Cup, despite being hosted largely in India, will not be treated as an exception.
The report further revealed that the decision to impose these restrictions was influenced by concerns over team discipline. Officials reportedly observed that several players skipped informal team meetings during previous tours, opting instead to spend time with their families, which the board felt affected team cohesion.
While the BCCI has denied permission for families to stay with players officially, individuals are free to make personal arrangements for their family members to travel and stay in the same cities during the tournament—provided there is no direct involvement with the team setup.
India are scheduled to play their home matches across Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. Their high-voltage clash against Pakistan will take place at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Should the two rivals meet again in the knockout stages, the Indian team will be required to travel to Kolkata.
With the aim of becoming the first nation to win the T20 World Cup three times, the BCCI appears determined to prioritise focus and discipline over comfort as the tournament approaches.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
