Jos Buttler Supports Family Time on Tours Amid BCCI Policy

Jos Buttler speaks on family time during cricket tours.

England cricket captain Jos Buttler highlighted the importance of allowing players to have their families accompany them on extended tours, emphasizing that it does not significantly impact on-field performance. Buttler’s remarks come amid a new BCCI directive limiting the time Indian players can spend with their families during lengthy overseas assignments. The directive, part of the BCCI’s recently introduced 10-point player disciplinary policy, restricts family vacations to 45 days within two weeks.

Speaking ahead of the five-match T20 series against India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, Buttler addressed the issue, acknowledging the significance of family support for players during extended tours. “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 tour with you and try and enjoy that,” Buttler said. Reflecting on the challenges of being away from home for extended periods, he added, “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. I don’t think it affects the cricket too much.”

Indian captain Rohit Sharma had earlier voiced his concerns about the policy, citing the mental and emotional toll on players separated from their families for prolonged periods. However, Buttler noted that managing family time and professional responsibilities is achievable. “I think it’s very manageable. I think it’s essential to try and be able to share that with your family and lighten the load of being away from home,” he explained.

The BCCI’s policy stipulates that players must secure the prior approval of head coach Gautam Gambhir before any changes to the family time restrictions are considered. As the cricketing world adapts to evolving player needs and expectations, Buttler’s comments underline the growing direction of mind well-being and work-life balance in professional sports.