England will play five T20Is and three ODIs during their tour of India, with the series opener scheduled at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday, January 22.
This white-ball series serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Ahead of the first T20I, England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler shared his thoughts on players having their families accompany them on tours.
“I think it’s important. We live in a modern world where having families on tour can be a great way to enjoy the experience. I don’t think it affects the cricket too much, and it’s something that is very manageable,” Buttler said during a press conference.
He also highlighted the positive impact of family presence on players’ mental well-being. “It helps lighten the load of being away from home and adds to the overall experience,” he added.
Buttler’s comments come in the context of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently implementing a new 10-point disciplinary policy for players. One key clause limits family members’ presence to a maximum of 14 days if an away tour exceeds 45 days.
This policy, introduced after India’s 3-1 Test series defeat to Australia, has sparked significant debate within the cricketing fraternity.
Notably, before the COVID-19 pandemic, players’ families were permitted to stay for the entire duration of tours.
However, reports suggest that some players recently missed informal planning sessions and unofficial team gatherings to spend time with their families, prompting stricter regulations.
The revised protocols have been activated immediately, emphasizing a balance between professional commitments and personal space as teams gear up for high-stakes competitions.