New Delhi [India]: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a more flexible approach to its policy on players’ families accompanying them on international tours. According to BCCI sources, players seeking extended family stays during overseas assignments will soon be able to apply for special permission from the board.
This potential policy change comes after Indian cricket star Virat Kohli highlighted the emotional challenges of being away from family during long tours. Speaking at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, Kohli emphasized the importance of a strong support system for players.
“It is very difficult to explain to people how grounding it is to just come back to your family every time you have something intense, which happens on the outside,” Kohli said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
He also criticized the perception that players’ families should be kept away, adding:
“I do not think people have an understanding of what value it brings to a large extent. And I feel quite disappointed about that because it is like people who have no control over what is going on are kind of brought into conversations and put out at the forefront that, ‘oh, maybe they need to be kept away’.”
The current BCCI policy allows limited family presence during tours, with restrictions varying based on the series, venue, and scheduling demands. However, as conversations about mental well-being in sports gain momentum, the board appears to be reconsidering its stance.
Sources indicate that under the proposed framework, players will have to submit formal requests to the BCCI for approval.
With India’s packed international cricket calendar, including upcoming ICC events and bilateral series, this policy shift could provide players with a better work-life balance while navigating the intense demands of the sport.