BCCI Revises Family Travel Policy Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025: Wives & Parents Allowed to Attend One Match

Dubai, February 18, 2025 – In a significant policy shift, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has softened its stance on the Family Travel Policy for Team India ahead of the much-awaited 2025 Champions Trophy. Following a series of scrutiny meetings after India’s disappointing tour of Australia, the BCCI has made changes to its family travel regulations for the upcoming tournament, allowing players' family members to attend one match, subject to approval from the board.

According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the BCCI has relaxed its earlier policy, which had restricted families from traveling with players for the entirety of tours. Under the revised guidelines, family members can attend one match of the Champions Trophy, provided they receive prior approval from the board. However, it remains clear that families will not be allowed to stay for the entire tournament.

This shift in policy comes after the BCCI’s review of the management structure, which led to the release of a ten-point directive document aimed at restructuring the team’s functioning and revising travel policies. The new policy states that families will not be permitted to join players for the entire tour unless the series lasts for over 45 days, in which case they may join for two weeks.

India’s campaign in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which began with their arrival in Dubai on February 15, will see them stay in Dubai for a maximum of 25 days. The first match is scheduled against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on February 20. India’s much-anticipated high-voltage encounter with Pakistan will take place on February 23, followed by a clash with New Zealand on March 2.

The first semifinal of the tournament will be played on March 4, with the final scheduled for March 9, if India qualifies. Notably, India will not be playing matches in Pakistan due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

This revision to the Family Travel Policy comes as part of the BCCI’s efforts to maintain a focused and disciplined environment for the team, while also recognizing the importance of family support during high-pressure tournaments.