New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly exploring a more adaptable policy regarding the presence of players' families during international tours. Sources within the BCCI indicate that players wishing to have their families join them for an extended duration on overseas assignments can now seek special permission from the board.
This potential easing of regulations follows comments made by Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, where he emphasized the emotional strain of being separated from family during challenging tours.
Kohli highlighted the significance of having a support system, stating that no player wants to "sit alone and sulk" after a disappointing performance on tour, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
His remarks underscore the mental hurdles athletes encounter when away from their families for extended periods.
As quoted by ESPNCricinfo, Virat expressed, "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."
He further noted, "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 Indian cricket star emphasized his desire to seize every opportunity to spend time with his family.
Various circumstances can arise in your life at any moment, which enables you to maintain a sense of normalcy. This is not just a vague concept; it manifests in a tangible way when you fulfill your commitments and responsibilities, return home, and enjoy a stable family life. For me, such days are filled with great joy, and I seize every opportunity to spend time with my family whenever possible, he concluded.
Currently, the BCCI's policy permits limited family presence during tours, with restrictions that often differ depending on the series, location, and scheduling requirements. However, as discussions about mental health in sports become more significant, the board seems to be reconsidering its approach.
Although there has been no official announcement yet, sources indicate that under the proposed new guidelines, players may need to submit requests to the BCCI.
With a busy international cricket calendar ahead, including upcoming ICC events and bilateral series, this potential policy change could offer players the essential balance they need to manage the rigorous demands of the sport.
