The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence in Dubai, but it will notably lack some star power on the sidelines, as Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma is unlikely to attend. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a controversial new travel policy, which prevents families from accompanying players during this tournament.
The Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan, begins on February 20, with Team India facing off against Bangladesh. Anushka Sharma, along with other notable figures like Athiya Shetty, will not be present to support their husbands, who are key players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. This policy comes into effect just before the team’s departure for Dubai on February 15.
The tournament is structured under a ‘hybrid’ model, with all of India’s matches being played in Dubai, including a semifinal and potentially the final. The decision to restrict family travel has been met with disappointment. The BCCI has clarified that families can only accompany players on tours that last 45 days or more, and even then, their visit is limited to just two weeks.
“If anything changes, it’s a different matter, but as of now, players are unlikely to be accompanied by their wives or partners,” stated a senior BCCI source. This statement underscores the seriousness with which the BCCI is enforcing this policy, aimed at maintaining discipline within the team.
According to the details released in the BCCI policy document, travel arrangements for players will be strictly managed to foster team cohesion. “All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged,” the document revealed.
This significant policy change follows India’s disappointing 2020-21 tour of Australia, where they suffered a heavy defeat that raised questions about team discipline and unity. In light of that experience, the BCCI is keen to impose stricter measures to ensure that players remain focused.
Another BCCI official explained the rationale behind the restrictions: “Since the tour is less than a month long, families will not be allowed. However, if exceptions are made, the individual will have to bear all expenses, as the BCCI will not cover any costs.” This means that any player wishing to have their family present must bear the financial burden themselves.
Anushka Sharma’s absence highlights the tension between personal lives of players and their professional responsibilities. As the tournament evolves over the next weeks, the impact of this policy on players could be profound. Having supportive family members at such high-stakes tournaments can serve as a vital emotional boost. In their absence, players might face increased pressure as they wage war on the pitch without their loved ones by their side.
The BCCI policy does make allowances for players on more extended tours, specifically during the five-Test series in England planned for June to August 2025. Policing travel arrangements will remain a vital aspect of the BCCI’s focus, as they hope to create a tightly-knit unit that can combat international competition effectively.
As the Champions Trophy draws nearer, it remains to be seen how this new policy will affect team morale and performance. The glaring absence of Anushka Sharma and other star spouses could raise further questions about the nature of support systems in elite sports. Will this change lead to a more disciplined team, or will it strip players of necessary emotional connections during crucial matches?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other star players will have to face this year’s challenges head-on without their families, a change that may lead to mixed reactions both from the players and the public. For now, excitement builds as the team prepares to compete fiercely in this prestigious tournament, with or without the backing of their partners.
In conclusion, Anushka Sharma’s absence at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to the BCCI’s controversial new policy shines a light on the ongoing debate surrounding player welfare versus organizational discipline. As the tournament begins, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how these changes play out in the performance and spirit of the Indian cricket team.
