According to PTI, new travel guidelines for players have already come into effect ahead of the five-match T20I series against England. The first game of the series will be played on Wednesday, January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed strict restrictions on the players’ after the side’s Test series loss against Australia. The board has mandated all the players to travel together in a team bus and no personal vehicles could be availed by any of the squad members.
Moreover, a player’s wife/family member could only be allowed to stay a maximum of up to two weeks for a 45-day overseas tour or a week’s time if it’s a shorter tour. The move has been opted for by the BCCI to foster unity and bond among the players in the national team.
This also comes on the wake of rumors of the Indian team not celebrating the dominating victory in Perth together in November 2024. Moreover, the dressing room atmosphere is said to have turned hostile as the series progressed, while Ravichandran Ashwin announcing his shocking retirement.
Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Snehasish Ganguly recently revealed that they have not arranged personal travel for any of the Indian players, keeping in mind the fresh guidelines from BCCI.
“In keeping with the BCCI’s 10-point guidelines for players, the Cricket Association of Bengal has not arranged any separate means of conveyance [for individual players]. Only a team bus has been arranged for the Indian team. There won’t be any personal vehicles for the cricketers. We have to follow the guidelines, which clearly state that all players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI.
Mohammed Shami to make his India comeback for the first time after November 2023

Indian veteran pacer Mohammed Shami will return to represent India after more than a year. Shami last played for the national team in the 2023 World Cup, where he emerged as the finest bowler with 24 scalps at a sublime average of 10.70.
Shami then underwent ankle surgery in February 2024 and missed the entire IPL 2024 as well. He returned to competitive cricket in November and played for Bengal in Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. After an impressive performance in domestic cricket, he was announced in the squad for the England T20I/ODI series and the Champions Trophy as well.
Interestingly, chief selector Ajit Agarkar pointed out that Mohammed Shami’s inclusion in the T20I team is due to him getting accustomed to the workload and getting back in his original rhythm ahead of the Champions Trophy.