In the aftermath of India’s 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced stricter policies concerning the presence of players' families during tours. These measures aim to enhance team discipline, focus, and overall performance. However, they have also sparked criticism from players, highlighting the challenge of balancing professional commitments with personal well-being. The BCCI’s new rules impose time-based restrictions on the duration for which family members can accompany players during international tours. While the BCCI insisted that these regulations promote professionalism and focus, several cricket players have voiced their discontent over these new rules

According to the new rules, for tours exceeding 45 days, the spouses and children of the players can be present for a maximum of 14 days, but only after the first two weeks of the tour. And on shorter tours, family members are allowed for up to one week, ensuring minimal disruption to the team’s preparation. The board believes that minimizing external distractions will enable players to stay focused and improve team cohesion and performance.

I don’t want to go to my room and just sit alone: Virat Kohli speaks out about new BCCI family guidelines

However, players argue that isolation from family during long tours can lead to mental fatigue and impact performance. One player who strongly advocated for this was Virat Kohli. Kohli reiterated the fact that it was important for family to be present on overseas tours for the player’s mental well-being. He said, “If you ask any player, do you want your family to be around all the time? You’ll be like yes. I don’t want to go to my room and just sit alone and sulk. I want to be able to be normal.”

Following these comments from Virat Kohli, the BCCI is reportedly considering a revision of the family policy, which may allow players to apply for extended family stays, subject to board approval. The new guidelines will look to achieve the delicate balance between personal and professional lives. While the BCCI aims to enforce discipline, it must also consider the mental well-being of players, which is crucial for sustained performance at the highest level in any sport.