The first T20I of the five-match series will be played on January 22.
England captain Jos Buttler remarked on Tuesday that having partners and children on extended international tours is "really important" and does not "too much" damage the game, as Indian players prepare to spend less time with their family during upcoming extended tours overseas, in accordance with a BCCI mandate.
The BCCI's newly issued 10-point player disciplinary guideline included a controversial measure limiting time spent with family members while on tour. Rohit Sharma, India's Test and ODI skipper, has already raised worry over the stipulation that limits family vacations to 45 days, or two weeks.
Jos Buttler was asked about the same during the press conference on the eve of the first T20I of the five-match series against India in Kolkata.
"I think it's important. We live in a day and age now, which 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. 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 during the pre-match press conference.
However, Buttler also claimed that families may be handled well and do not conflict with work obligations.
"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 explained.
England will stay in India until February 12th, then go to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament begins on February 19, with England playing Australia in their first match on February 22 in Lahore.
(PTI inputs)