England white-ball captain Jos Buttler has spoken about the new guidelines from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which now allow only limited time for family members during tours. Jos Buttler’s statement came ahead of the first T20I in the upcoming five-match series against the Indian team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new guidelines of 10 points following India’s 1-3 series defeat in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. Namely, family members are allowed to accompany players on tours for a maximum of 14 days if the tour lasts at least 45 days.
The latest BCCI guidelines also require players to travel together
The guidelines also require players to travel together, stay in the same hotel and be available for domestic cricket whenever possible. These measures have already led to the majority of contracted players playing in domestic competitions. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar recently discussed the new rules.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian players have been allowed to have their families stay with them throughout the tour. Some players chose to spend time with their families instead of attending informal team meetings and planning meetings.
It’s great to have families on tour – Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler has highlighted the importance of family members being present during tours, especially in the modern cricket calendar which is packed with matches. He stated that having loved ones by his side helps rather than affects his performance on the field.
“I think it’s important. We live in a day and age now, which is a very modern world, and I think it’s great to have families on tour with you and try to enjoy it,” Buttler said during the pre-match press conferences. in Kolkata ahead of the 1st T20I against India.
“There’s a lot of cricket, people are spending a lot of time away from home and I think that’s all been highlighted post-Covid. Absolutely, I don’t think it’s affecting cricket too much.”
“I think it’s something that’s very bearable. Personally, from my point of view, I think it’s very important to try to share it with your family and ease the burden of being away from home,” he explained.
England will stay in India until February 12 and then head to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament begins on February 19 and England will face Australia in their first match on February 22 in Lahore.
We are blessed to have such bowlers on this tour – Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler pointed out that the depth of the England squad gives confidence to the top batsmen, as they do not have to worry too much about losing wickets.
“We are blessed to have such bowlers on this tour who are capable batsmen. Gus, Carse, Rashid. We are very lucky. It gives a lot of depth and gives confidence to the guys at the top because we don’t have to worry about our locks,” Buttler added. .
Also read: Harry Brook has officially named England’s white-ball co-captains ahead of the India series
