His comments come in the wake of the BCCI directive limiting families' presence during India's overseas assignments
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) recent guidelines that restrict family presence during overseas tours. Following India's 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI implemented policies limiting players' families to a maximum of 14 days on tours lasting over 45 days, with no family presence allowed during the initial two weeks. For shorter tours, families can accompany players for up to one week.
Kohli emphasized the importance of family support, stating that returning to family after intense matches offers players a grounding experience and helps them manage the pressures of international cricket. He advocates for a balance between personal well-being and professional commitments, suggesting that family presence contributes positively to players' mental health and performance.
The BCCI's decision to enforce stricter protocols stems from concerns that extended family presence might limit team bonding beyond practice hours. The board aims to promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment while ensuring professional standards during tours.
This topic has sparked debate within the cricketing community, with opinions divided on the impact of family presence on players' performance and team dynamics. Kohli's stance highlights the need for a nuanced approach that considers both the personal well-being of players and the collective goals of the team.