New Delhi: Contrary to BCCI’s rationale, England skipper Jos Buttler believes presence of wives and girlfriends (WAGs) doesn’t distract players from cricket and it is “really important” to have them around on long overseas tours.
After India’s 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar series to Australia, the BCCI has issued a 10-point disciplinary policy for players, in which time with family members on tours exceeding 45 days has been limited to a maximum of 14 days.
It has led to Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma raising apprehensions about the clause as players are believed to have sought clarification from the BCCI.
“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 on the eve of India’s first T20I against England on Wednesday.
“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.”
Buttler said that if managed properly, presence of families could enhance the performance of playes.
“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,” he said.
‘T20Is not to affect CT preparation’
England will play in only three ODIs and three T20Is in India starting from Wednesday before the Champions Trophy that begins in Pakistan from February 19.
Asked if it is adequate preparation for a major event, Buttler said his team is willing to make the most of what they have got.
“It’s going to be a great series against a really top side in their own conditions. There’s loads to look forward to. I’m not worried about schedules at the moment. I’m just looking forward to playing some games,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be a really exciting T20 series. Obviously, there’s some ODIs to follow, so yeah, I’m just looking forward to the games.”
I think it’s great to be able to have families on the tour with you and try and enjoy that, Jos Buttler said on the eve of India’s first T20I against England Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
