(Image source from: PTI)
According to a report from India Today, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might reevaluate its 'family diktat', which was implemented following the Test series defeat to Australia. The report suggests that players who want their families to accompany them for an extended duration on international tours must seek approval. The BCCI's 10-point policy has been limiting the time family members can spend with players during excursions abroad. Recently, Virat Kohli voiced his dissatisfaction regarding this rule, emphasizing the significance of having loved ones close during challenging periods, especially while traveling overseas. A senior BCCI official informed India Today that players could request permission for longer family visits, and the board would deliberate on these requests as necessary.
On another note, iconic cricketer Kapil Dev advocates for allowing families to join players on tours but insists on a thoughtful approach to this divisive topic. After the 1-3 Test series defeat to Australia, the BCCI implemented a regulation that restricts family visits on tours exceeding 45 days to a maximum of 14 days, while for shorter trips, families can stay for up to one week. "Well, I can’t say, it's up to the individual. I believe it’s the cricket board's decision," stated the 1983 World Cup-winning captain at the 'Kapil Dev Grant Thornton Invitational' event.
"My perspective is that while family is important, so is team cohesion." During the recently concluded Champions Trophy, players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami had family members present in Dubai, although they did not lodge at the team hotel. The costs associated with their stay were covered by the players themselves, rather than the BCCI. "In our days, we would agree among ourselves — not dictated by the cricket board — that the first half of the tour was dedicated to cricket, and in the latter half, families would join to enjoy as well. It should be a mix."
