The BCCI has reportedly turned down a request from the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team to allow players’ families to stay with them during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The marquee tournament is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the defending champions placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the USA and the Netherlands.
India began their campaign with a nervy win over the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, but off the field, the focus has shifted to the board’s firm stance on travel and accommodation protocols. At the centre of the issue is the BCCI’s revised policy on tours and support staff, which restricts family members from accompanying players for extended periods.
Under current guidelines, families may stay with players for up to two weeks on tours longer than 45 days. The World Cup, with its tight schedule and frequent travel between venues, falls outside that window.
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A senior BCCI source told The Indian Express that the team management had formally approached the board to seek clarity on whether wives and fiancées could travel with and stay with the squad during the tournament. The response, however, was a clear no.
BCCI rejects Team India players’ request to allow families during T20 World Cup 2026: Reports https://t.co/t5VQHZ0Rvy pic.twitter.com/ufp1SafTJh
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 10, 2026
The board has reiterated that families will not be staying with the players as part of the official team arrangements, citing the need to maintain focus and logistical discipline during a high-pressure global event. Players, if they choose, can make private arrangements for family visits, but all costs must be borne personally, with no support from the board.
With two of their group-stage matches scheduled in India, the Indian team is now preparing to travel to Colombo for the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15. Before that, Suryakumar and his men will take on Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12.
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After being stretched by the USA in their opener, India will be keen to tighten up their execution and build momentum. While the off-field decision may not sit well with everyone, the BCCI’s message is clear: during a World Cup, the priority is performance, preparation, and staying locked in on the ultimate goal.
