Following Virat Kohli’s public criticism of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s family policy, the board has given mixed signals regarding potential changes to the existing regulations.
Kohli voiced his concerns about the restrictions on family travel, emphasizing the importance of having loved ones nearby during high-pressure international assignments.
Kohli’s Criticism
At a recent promotional event ahead of IPL 2025, Kohli spoke about the emotional toll of being away from family and how their presence helps players maintain a sense of normalcy.
He expressed disappointment that the value of family support isn’t fully understood, especially by those making decisions about tour policies.
Kohli’s remarks followed the BCCI’s implementation of stricter guidelines after India’s loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which limited the time families could spend with players on overseas tours.
BCCI Current Policy
The current BCCI policy allows players who are away from India for more than 45 days to have their partners and children (under 18) join them for one visit per series, lasting up to two weeks.
The BCCI covers shared accommodation, but players must bear all other expenses. Deviations from this policy require pre-approval from the head coach, team captain, and the BCCI’s general manager of operations.
BCCI’s Response
Initially, reports suggested that the BCCI might reconsider its family policy, potentially allowing players to apply for permission to have their families stay longer on tours.
However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the current policy would remain intact, emphasizing that it serves the best interests of both the nation and the institution.
Saikia acknowledged that differing opinions may exist but stressed that the policy is applied uniformly to all team members to foster team cohesion and unity.
Despite this, Saikia also mentioned that there are provisions for relaxing the norms under special circumstances, but this will be done through a proper process.
Possible Relaxations
While maintaining the core policy, the BCCI may consider relaxing the rules on a case-by-case basis, allowing families to stay longer if players obtain prior approval.
This potential flexibility suggests that the board recognizes the importance of family support while also aiming to maintain discipline and focus within the team.
It remains to be seen how these adjustments will be implemented and whether they will fully address the concerns raised by Kohli and other players.
