The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Indian players will not be allowed to stay with their families during the ICC T20 World Cup, maintaining a long-standing policy aimed at ensuring full focus during major tournaments.
According to Indian media reports, the Indian team management had approached the BCCI after players requested permission to have their families accompany them during the T20 World Cup 2026. The board, however, declined the request and maintained its existing policy.
Players may make separate personal arrangements for their families, but they will not be allowed to stay together.
Restricting family stays is not a new policy. The BCCI introduced revised guidelines following India’s heavy defeat against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour.
Under these rules, players are allowed to have wives or family members join them for a maximum of 14 days, but only if an overseas tour lasts longer than 45 days.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, players were permitted to have their families with them for the full duration of tours. However, these allowances were tightened after last year’s tour of Australia, as the board moved to reduce distractions during high-pressure assignments.
To offset the absence of family support, the team will travel via private charter flights throughout the tournament.
Several players have also retained personal chefs, although these chefs are required to stay in separate nearby hotels. Meals are prepared off-site and delivered to the team, in line with the board controlled environment policy.
This strict, business-focused approach reflects the BCCI’s intention to maintain discipline and concentration. By limiting external distractions and closely managing players’ surroundings, the Indian board is prioritizing performance over comfort.