England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler opened up about the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new guidelines, 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) introduced new 10-point guidelines following India’s 1-3 series defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. Notably, family members are allowed to accompany players on tours for a maximum of 14 days if the tour lasts at least 45 days.
The BCCI’s Latest 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 most contracted players featuring in domestic competitions. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar recently discussed the new rules.
Since the onset of COVID-19, Indian players have been allowed to have their families stay with them for the entire duration of tours. Some players opted to spend time with their families rather than attending informal team meetings and planning sessions.
It’s Great to Be Able to Have Families on the Tour – Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler highlighted the importance of having family members around during tours, especially in the modern cricket calendar, which is packed with matches. He stated that having loved ones with him helps and does not affect 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 be able to have families on the tour with you and try and enjoy that,” Buttler said during the pre-match press conference in Kolkata ahead of the 1st T20I against India.
“There’s a lot of cricket, people spend a long time away from home, and I think post-COVID all that’s been highlighted as well. Absolutely, I don’t think it affects the cricket too much.”
“I think it’s something that is very manageable. Personally, from my point of view, I think it’s really important to try and be able to share that with your family and lighten the load on being away from home,” he explained.
England will stay in India till February 12th, and they will then head to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament begins on February 19, with England set to face Australia in their opening match on February 22 in Lahore.
We Are Blessed to Have Such Bowlers on This Tour – Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler highlighted the depth of England’s squad provides confidence to the top-order batsmen, as they don’t have to worry too much about losing wickets.
“We are blessed that we have such bowlers in this tour who are capable batters. Gus, Carse, Rashid. We are very fortunate. It gives a lot of depth and gives confidence to guys up top as we don’t have to worry for our wickets,” Buttler added.
Also read: Harry Brook officially named England’s white-ball vice-captain ahead of India series