One of the most frequently discussed aspects of the BCCI's stringent 10-point directive, implemented shortly after India's series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, pertains to the limitations on family travel. According to the guidelines distributed to all stakeholders in Indian cricket, a player's family may accompany him for a maximum of two weeks during a tour lasting 45 days or longer. However, the family protocols that will be fully enforced starting with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will prohibit the likes of Anushka Sharma, Ritika Sajdeh, and other spouses of Indian players from joining them in Dubai, as the tournament duration is only 20 days.

India will commence their Champions Trophy journey against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a highly anticipated match against their arch-rivals Pakistan three days later, concluding their group stage on March 2 against New Zealand. Even if India reaches the final on March 9, the total duration of their stay in Dubai—24 days from their arrival on February 15—will not permit the presence of wives or other family members.

Nevertheless, in a recent development, the BCCI may consider certain exceptions regarding this policy. According to a report by PTI, while the BCCI remains firm on its initial position, players wishing to bring their families to the Champions Trophy will need to cover the expenses themselves. A senior member of the Indian team reportedly inquired about the possibility of an exception for his family, but his request was declined.

"If there are any changes, that would be a different matter, but currently, it is unlikely that players will be joined by their wives or partners for this tour. A senior player sought clarification on this issue and was informed that the policy would be upheld," a BCCI source was quoted by PTI.

"Given that the tour lasts less than a month, families will not be accompanying the players. However, should exceptions arise, it is likely that the individual would need to bear the costs."

Who could the senior player be?

This leads us to an important inquiry: who might this senior player be? The most apparent candidates are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as no other members of the team possess greater seniority. While players such as Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja also fall into the 'senior' category, Hardik's recent separation from his ex-wife Natasa Stankovic and Jadeja's wife Rivaba, who is a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and seldom accompanies him on tours, diminish their likelihood.

Turning our attention to Kohli, it is noteworthy that his family, including his wife Anushka and their children Vamika and Akaay, were present in Australia, with Anushka frequently attending his matches to offer support. In contrast, Rohit's wife Ritika was last seen during the T20 World Cup in June, when Team India secured the Trophy. Since then, she has been absent due to her pregnancy, as they welcomed their second child, Ahaan, in November. Regardless of the identity of the player in question, it appears that family presence will not be permitted.

A source from the BCCI confirmed to The Hindustan Times, "We are unequivocal in our position. Should there be any exceptions, players will be responsible for the costs associated with their families travelling. As it stands, families will not accompany players during the Champions Trophy."

"The BCCI is resolute regarding these regulations, and we will ensure strict adherence. Players have been informed that the board intends to uphold the guidelines that were communicated well in advance."

The BCCI's policy on family travel has seemingly caused a degree of concern among the players. Recently, during a press conference in Mumbai where Rohit and BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar announced India's Champions Trophy squad, Rohit inadvertently disclosed sensitive information, unaware that his microphone was active.

"Now we will have to sit for another hour and a half to discuss this with the secretary. All this talk about family and such. Everyone is telling me that..."

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