Indian cricketers travelling with their families ten to put the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a soup. Last year after lengthy discussions, families of cricketers were allowed stay with them during some of the tours but not for the entire duration. This year during India’s tour to Australia where the Men in Blue won their maiden away series, the wives of the cricketers were allowed to join during the Test series.
The main problem that crops up is the issue of travel. With 15 players and an equal number of support staff, the Indian cricket team are a huge group. When players travel with their wives and children, the number swells to more than 40. Getting seats for all the members in flights then becomes a problem.
“It would be a logistical nightmare if this arrangement – of families travelling with the players – continues in England for the entire duration of the World Cup,” said a BCCI official.
“If the team comprise of a lesser number of members, it is easier to manage. When the team travel, off-field management and coordination is also vital. However, when families accompany right from booking tickets to arranging of rooms, the support staff has to look into it. It is difficult at times,” the official added.
During the recently-concluded Australian tour, players who weren’t Test regulars also had their families accompanying them for two weeks. This irked the BCCI to a great extent.
The financial implications involved when families travel with the cricketer do not bother the BCCI. The player bears the cost. However, it is the logistics management which causes headaches to the BCCI.
PNN/Agencies