ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly reassessing its policy regarding players’ families joining them on international tours, following strong criticism from senior cricketer Virat Kohli. Sources close to the matter suggest that the board may relax its existing rules on family presence during tours.
Current Family Policy Under Review
At present, the BCCI allows players’ partners and children to join them on tours longer than 45 days, but only for a period of two weeks. Any additional stay is at the player’s expense. This policy was reinstated earlier this year after a review meeting that included head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, which followed India’s 1-3 Test series defeat in Australia.
However, according to an anonymous BCCI official, the board is now considering granting players the ability to apply for extended family stays with prior approval. “Players can apply for permission if they want their families to stay longer on tours. The BCCI will make a decision as it sees fit,” the official said.
Virat Kohli’s Criticism Sparks Debate
The reconsideration comes after Kohli voiced strong objections to the policy, emphasizing the importance of family presence for players’ mental health. Speaking at a promotional event for IPL 2025, Kohli stressed that players should have their families with them to stay mentally grounded and focused on their game. “If you ask any player, do you want your family to be around you all the time? You’ll say, yes. I don’t want to go to my room and just sit alone and sulk. I want to be able to be normal,” Kohli said, adding that the presence of family helps players manage the pressures of the game.
Support from the Cricketing Community
Kohli’s stance has found support from various figures in the cricketing community, including former India captain Kapil Dev. Dev agreed with Kohli’s view on the importance of family but suggested a balanced approach. “I think that’s the cricket board’s call. Mine is, yes, you need a family, but yes, you need a team also all the time,” Kapil stated. He further elaborated on the need for a blend of both personal and professional time, saying, “In our time, we used to say to ourselves—not by the cricket board—that in the first half, let me play cricket. In the second half, the families should come there and enjoy too.”
Emotional Support During High-Stakes Events
The importance of family support was evident during India’s Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year in the UAE, where players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma celebrated their victory alongside their families. This public display highlighted the role that emotional support plays, particularly during high-pressure tournaments.
BCCI’s Potential Shift in Policy
As the BCCI considers changes to its family policy, the move could help balance the emotional well-being of players with the demands of international cricket. While the final decision is still pending, the growing support for more flexibility regarding family arrangements could lead to a significant shift in how Indian cricketers approach long overseas tours.
