The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to stick to the existing policy of not allowing players to stay with their families during the ongoing T20 World Cup. There were demands from Team India players but the board chose not to amend the guidelines already in place for tours and major events.

The BCCI has issued strict rules for families traveling abroad and tournaments after India lost 1-3 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. According to official policy, if the tour lasts more than 45 days, players can bring their family members with them for up to 14 days.

BCCI rejects request of Indian team players to allow families to attend 2026 T20 World Cup

According to a report in The Indian Express, the Indian team management has asked the BCCI to clarify whether the wives or fiancés of players can travel with the team and live with them. The board rejected the request and said families would not be allowed to live with players.

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According to a report in The Indian Express, a BCCI source confirmed, “The Indian team management has approached the BCCI to inquire if the wife and fiancé can travel with the team and live with them as well. The board has made it clear that the families will not live with the players. However, separate arrangements can be made if they wish.”

India 2026 T20 World Cup events and travel schedule

India kicked off the 2026 T20 World Cup with a 29-run win over the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. If India reaches the final on March 8, the tournament will be played in just over a month, well below the 45-day limit allowed by the BCCI for families.

After the first win, the team traveled from Mumbai to Delhi and will now travel to Sri Lanka for the group stage match against Pakistan on February 15. They will then return to India for their final group game.

The journey continues if the Men in Blue reach the Super Eights and knockout stages. India also played a few bilateral series before the World Cup, during which family members were not allowed to stay with the team.

BCCI tightens travel, home and selection rules

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has strict regimes in place regarding travel and daily activities of players during matches. The team will travel on a private charter flight, and nearby hotels have arranged for private chefs to prepare meals and send them to the team.

After the COVID-19 pandemic is over, Indian players can stay with their families throughout the overseas tour. That changed after the defeat to Australia, when support staff noted that some players had missed internal meetings and planning sessions because they chose to stay with partners or children.

Therefore, the BCCI revised its policy in January 2025 to allow family members to stay with the players for a maximum of 14 days only if the tour lasts for more than 45 days. The committee has also made it mandatory for centrally contracted players who wish to remain involved in national selection to participate in domestic cricket.

Also read: American Pakistani cricketer and two other players kicked out of 2026 T20 World Cup