Jos Buttler speaks out on the stern guidelines set by BCCI for Indian players

India's run in the conclusive phase of the 2023-25 WTC cycle culminated in significant upheaval within the camp. This phase saw India, led by Rohit Sharma, losing their claim on the Border Gavaskar Trophy after a decade, as Australia beat them 3-1. Moreover, the Australian tour was filled with drama, as reports of friction within the Indian camp surfaced, with the names of head coach Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli coming up frequently. Upon their return, the BCCI held a review meeting, attended by Gambhir and Rohit Sharma, to assess their performance. The outcome of the meeting involved stern guidelines set by the board for the Indian team and support staff. One of the key points in the guidelines was a ruling regarding the families of players traveling with them on tours.

Jos Buttler has his stance clear on BCCI's guideline for Indian players

In the wake of India's dismal performance at home against New Zealand and the BGT loss, the BCCI backtracked on the leniency provided to the camp. One of the many eye-raising points made by the board involved a guideline that placed a limit on the time a player can spend with family during international assignments. The board reintroduced restrictions on the duration of family stays during extended tours. Under the revived policy, players are permitted to have their families with them for up to 14 days, but only if the away tour exceeds 45 days. All the guidelines set by the board for the Indian players come into effect ahead of the England Tour of India.

With the first India vs England T20I slated for January 22, the England team has arrived in India. Attending the press conference ahead of the series opener, Jos Buttler, the English skipper, was asked to share his views on the board's guidelines. The English captain, in turn, explained that the presence of family members is not distracting for the player in any way. Buttler emphasized the support that comes with having loved ones on tours that require the participating cricketers to stay away from home for extended periods of time.

"That's a loaded question, isn't it? 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.  "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," he added.

"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," the English player further emphasized.

Meanwhile, England announced the playing XI for the first India vs England T20I, which kicks off on Wednesday in Kolkata. Pacer Gus Atkinson is set to make his comeback after an extended hiatus of 13 months in the format. Moreover, England has Jofra Archer and Liam Livingstone as key players as they take on the hosts in the five-match series.

England Playing XI for 1st T20I: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (WK), Jos Buttler (C), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood