India Today reported that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) may reevaluate the stringent regulation placed on players regarding the presence of family members on trips. After top batsman Virat Kohli publicly criticized the rule, there has been a purported rethink.
Previously Virat Kohli explained that professional cricketers required family presence when they were on long tours. The BCCI established strict playing policies following India’s 0-3 defeat by Australia in the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy through which players were limited in allowing their family members to stay with them.
“If you ask any player, do you want your family to be around you 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. And then you can really treat your game as something that is a responsibility. You finish that responsibility, and you come back to life,” Kohli said in an event ahead of the IPL 2025 season (via Hindustan Times).
According to the newspaper, in response to his criticism, players can now ask the board for permission to extend the stay of their family members.
“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 source was quoted as saying.
The five-match Test series against England away from home, which starts in June, will be India’s next international fixture.
The current BCCI rule regarding family on tours
After losing the Border Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI released stringent rules. The present regulations state that family members may only visit once every series for a maximum of two weeks during a tour that lasts more than forty-five days.
“Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) of up to a two-week period,” the rule stated.
The board had previously stated that it would cover the player’s lodging expenses solely during their visit. The player is responsible for paying for any additional costs.
It is also necessary for the head coach, captain, and general manager of operations to approve requests for exemptions beforehand.
