The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India has recently introduced a set of new rules and policies aimed at professionalizing the lives of players and improving discipline and performance standards. However, these rules are not only affecting cricketers on the field but are also having a significant impact on their personal lives and families.
According to InsideSport Sources, Suresh Raina has criticized the BCCI’s decision to bar players’ families from accompanying them on overseas tours, calling it unfair and detrimental to players’ mental well-being.
“I am against the BCCI for not allowing families in tour. Families should be allowed. Imagine Virat Kohli playing and his daughter clapping in the stands, it’s such a proud moment. He will the stage on fire.” Stated Suresh Raina.
Know the BCCI New Rules in 2025
Restricted Family Access During Tours:
Cricketers’ family members are now allowed to accompany them only for a limited duration on overseas tours – a maximum of 10 days for tour longer than three weeks.
Mandatory Off-Season Fitness Camps:
Players are now required to attend BCCI-organized fitness camps during the off-season, reducing the time they usually spend with family during breaks.
Approval Needed for Public Family Posts:
Players must now inform BCCI before posting family-related updates on social media during tours to avoid distractions and maintain team focus.
No Family During ICC Tournaments:
For high-stakes tournaments like the ICC World Cup or Champions Trophy, the board has banned family stays with players entirely to minimize any form of off-field distraction.
Impact on Cricketers’ Families
Reduced Quality Family Time:
Several senior players have reportedly expressed discomfort over the limited access to their families. Cricketers who are on back-to-back series on IPL duty little time to spend with their partners and children.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Family support has always been a pillar for cricketers during tough tours. With these restrictions, players may feel emotionally isolated, especially during long overseas stints.
Spouse and Children Adjustments
Cricketers’ spouses – many of whom are public figures or professionals themselves – now have to recognize their own schedules and lifestyle plans. Children missing out on special family occasions has become a growing concern.
Mixed Reactions within the Cricket Fraternity
While some young cricketers support these rules as a step toward maintaining focus and professionalism, senior players and their families are asking the board to reconsider or modify the policies to strict a better balance.