Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s wife, Hazel Keech, has supported BCCI’s new rule restricting the time players’ families can accompany them on tours. She acknowledged that long separations are tough for families but agreed that limiting family presence helps players maintain focus on the game.
🔹 What is BCCI’s New Rule?
- On tours longer than 45 days, players’ partners and children can stay with them for 14 days after the first two weeks.
- On shorter tours, families can join for up to a week.
- The rule was introduced after India’s 3-1 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and has been included in player contracts.
🔹 Hazel Keech’s View on the Rule
Speaking to media, Keech recalled her experience when Yuvraj was playing international cricket:
“For families with small children, being apart for so long was difficult. But when I watched Yuvi’s matches, I noticed he would always be concerned about me, which affected his focus on the game. So, allowing families for a limited time is beneficial in both ways.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BCCI had relaxed these restrictions, allowing families to stay with players inside the bio-bubble for mental well-being. However, the board has now reinstated the rule with the aim of keeping players fully focused on the game.
🔹 Who Covers the Expenses?
- BCCI covers accommodation costs for players’ families during tours.
- However, travel expenses are not covered by the board.
With this new policy in place, BCCI aims to strike a balance between supporting players’ family life and ensuring peak performance on the field.