Virat Kohli Is 'Disappointed' At BCCI's No-Family Tour Policy: 'I Don't Want To Sit Alone And Sulk'

Ahead of IPL 2025, ace Indian batter, Virat Kohli once again made headlines, but this time, it’s for speaking out about the no-family rule that cricketers have to follow during international tours. The cricketer openly talked about the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to limit the presence of players’ families on overseas tours. 

Virat Kohli slams BCCI for its no-family policy

Recently, Virat spoke at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru, ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2025, which starts on March 22, 2025. Kohli didn’t hold back as he highlighted the emotional toll such restrictions take on cricketers. For those unaware, the BCCI issued a strict 10-point directive aimed at addressing discipline and team cohesion, following India’s consecutive Test series defeats against New Zealand. One of the rules did not sit well with the players. It stated that families of players on tours exceeding 45 days would be allowed to visit only once, for a maximum of 14 days.

While BCCI’s no-family policy has sparked widespread debate, Kohli, in his recent interaction, called out the decision, labelling it unfair and out of touch with the emotional needs of athletes. Highlighting the importance of having a family on overseas tours, Kohli said:

“It's very difficult to explain to people how grounding it is to just come back to your family every time you have something which is intense, which happens on the outside. I don't think people have an understanding of what value it brings to a large extent. And I feel quite disappointed about that.”

Virat pointed out how important it is for players to have family support, especially during those long tours. He stressed that family acts as a grounding force, helping players decompress after the high-stress environment of international cricket. Speaking out for all players, Kohli remarked:

“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.”

Virat Kohli talks about the human side of cricket

Further into the conversation, Virat hit out at the narrative that families are to blame for India’s recent struggles on the field. The star cricketer, who was frequently seen with his wife, Anushka Sharma during India’s Champions Trophy campaign, made it clear that family life helps maintain his mental balance. Talking about the human side of cricket, Kohli shared:

“You finish your commitment and then you come back to your house, you’re with family, and absolutely normalcy in your house and normal family life goes on… So, for me, that is absolutely a day of immense pleasure. I won’t miss any opportunities to go out and spend time with my family whenever I can.”

Virat’s comments seem to have fuelled the already circulating debate concerning professional balancing family life and professional commitments. What is your take on this matter?

Also Read: Ahead Of IPL 2025, Virat Kohli Opens Up On His Plans After Retiring From Cricket: 'Maybe A Lot Of..'

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)