Former India Cricketer Criticizes BCCI’s Family Restrictions on Tours
- July 11, 2025
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faced criticism after implementing a new policy restricting family time during foreign tours. This decision followed India’s 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia earlier this year. The BCCI’s 10-point guideline aimed to limit distractions and improve performance, but it sparked mixed reactions among players and fans. Star batter Virat Kohli was among those who expressed disappointment with the restrictions.
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina recently voiced his concerns about the policy during an interview with Ranveer Allahbadia on YouTube. Raina emphasized the importance of family support for players, particularly during challenging times. He highlighted that mental health issues can arise when players face pressure to perform and fear losing their spot on the team. According to Raina, having family members present can provide much-needed emotional support and encouragement.
Raina argued that players are often hesitant to discuss their struggles with coaches or teammates due to fear of repercussions. He believes that family presence can alleviate this hesitation and help players maintain their mental well-being. Raina cited Virat Kohli as an example, imagining the positive impact of Kohli’s daughter cheering him on during matches.
The policy has also been a topic of discussion among other players. During the Champions Trophy 2025 in February, cricketers like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami had their families accompany them in Dubai, although they stayed separately from the team hotel at their own expense.
Raina’s comments have reignited the debate over the BCCI’s family restrictions, highlighting the delicate balance between professional commitments and personal well-being. As cricket continues to demand high levels of performance, the role of family support remains a crucial consideration for players and administrators alike.