Following criticism from Virat Kohli, BCCI is reportedly reviewing its restrictions on family stays during overseas tours.
March 18, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering revising its ‘family diktat’ following Virat Kohli’s recent remarks on the policy. According to India Today, players seeking extended family stays during overseas tours may now apply for special permission, a potential shift from the existing rigid guidelines.
Also Read: Kapil Dev Advocates For Family Support On Tours, Stresses Need For Balance
The ‘Family Diktat’ Explained
Following India’s 1-3 Test series loss to Australia, the BCCI introduced a directive limiting family stays during long tours. For tours exceeding 45 days, players could have their families accompany them for a maximum of 14 days, while for shorter tours, the allowance was just a week. The rule was met with mixed reactions, with some players, including Kohli, emphasizing the importance of family presence during high-pressure tournaments.
Kohli’s Stance on the Issue
Virat Kohli has been vocal about the need for players to have their loved ones around during overseas assignments, particularly in mentally and physically demanding situations. His comments have reignited debates within the cricketing fraternity regarding the balance between personal and professional commitments.
BCCI’s Possible Policy Shift
A senior BCCI official told India Today, “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.”
This marks a significant shift from the blanket restrictions imposed earlier, potentially offering players more flexibility while maintaining BCCI’s oversight.
Kapil Dev Advocates a Balanced Approach
1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, weighing in on the debate, acknowledged the need for family support but called for a balanced approach.
“You need family, but you also need a team all the time,” he remarked at the Kapil Dev Grant Thornton Invitational event.
He reflected on past practices, stating, “In our time, we used to say to ourselves – not by the cricket board – that the first half of the tour should be about cricket, and in the second half, the family should come and enjoy it too. It should be a blend.”
Cricketers Taking Matters into Their Own Hands
During the Champions Trophy, several senior players, including Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami, opted to bring their families along but stayed separately from the team hotel, covering their own expenses instead of relying on BCCI provisions.
With mounting pressure from players and senior cricketing voices, BCCI’s latest move could offer more flexibility while ensuring that team focus remains intact. The final decision is expected in the coming weeks.
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