The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering revising its ‘family diktat,’ which was introduced after India’s Test series defeat against Australia. According to a report by India Today, players seeking an extended stay for their families during overseas tours will need to apply for permission, with the BCCI making decisions on a case-by-case basis.
“Players can apply for permission if they want their families to stay longer on tours. The BCCI will make a decision as it sees fit,” a top BCCI source told India Today.
The existing 10-point guideline, implemented after India’s 1-3 loss to Australia, restricts family visits to a maximum of 14 days for tours lasting over 45 days, while shorter tours allow only a week of family presence. However, Virat Kohli has recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the rule, emphasizing the importance of having loved ones around during high-pressure situations, especially on foreign tours.
Meanwhile, Kapil Dev has weighed in on the debate, advocating for a balanced approach. Speaking at the ‘Kapil Dev Grant Thornton Invitational’ event, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain said, “Well, I don’t know, that’s individual. I think it’s the cricket board’s call. My view is, yes, you need family. But you also need a team, all the time.”
During the Champions Trophy, players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami had their families present in Dubai, though they did not stay at the team hotel. The expenses for their accommodation were covered by the players themselves, not the BCCI.
Kapil Dev also shared insights from his playing days, stating, “In our time, we used to say to ourselves — not by the cricket board — that the first half of the tour should be cricket, and in the second half, the family should come and enjoy it too. It should be a blend.”
With contrasting opinions on the issue, the BCCI’s potential revision of the family policy could play a crucial role in determining the balance between professional commitments and personal well-being for players on overseas tours.
Photo Credit: Facebook Photo of Virat Kohli
