Virat Kohli isn’t holding back! The former India captain has openly criticized BCCI’s new policy restricting players’ families from joining them on tours, calling it unfair and out of touch with the realities of international cricket.
Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit ahead of IPL 2025, Kohli, 36, stressed how crucial family support is in dealing with the pressures of the game. “It’s hard to explain how comforting it is to return to your family after an intense day,” ESPNcricinfo quoted him as saying.
BCCI’s policy, introduced after India’s Test series loss to Australia, bars families from joining tours shorter than 45 days. They can only visit after two weeks and stay for a maximum of 14 days. Kohli expressed disappointment, stating that people outside the game don’t realize the value of family support.
Fresh off India’s Champions Trophy triumph, Kohli emphasized that families provide normalcy amid cricket’s demanding schedule. “If you ask any player, they’d want their family around. No one wants to sit alone and sulk in a hotel room,” he added.
BCCI has yet to respond, but the debate is growing over whether such restrictions impact player performance and mental well-being.