Virat Kohli has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new rules limiting the duration of players’ family stays during international tours. He emphasized that spending time with loved ones is essential for maintaining emotional stability, especially after high-pressure matches.
Speaking at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, Kohli highlighted how challenging it is for outsiders to grasp the importance of reconnecting with family after intense games. Under the updated guidelines, families are permitted to stay with players for only two weeks during tours lasting 45 days or more. This policy meant no players had family privileges during the recent ICC Champions Trophy unless they made private arrangements or obtained prior approval from the board.
“I feel quite disappointed about that,” Kohli stated. “People who have no control over these decisions are being dragged into conversations and put in the spotlight. Perhaps they should be kept out of such discussions.”
These restrictions are part of a broader 10-point framework introduced following India’s loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The guidelines also include mandatory participation in domestic cricket and stricter travel policies for players’ spouses and partners.
Kohli also touched on his reduced activity on social media, explaining that he no longer feels compelled to share personal achievements online. “Posting about winning the Champions Trophy won’t amplify the joy in my heart,” he said. “Seeing comments like ‘you’re amazing’ doesn’t hold much significance for me.”
The former Indian captain added that technology can be a distraction and that he has intentionally scaled back his online presence to concentrate on his game and personal life.
As the BCCI’s new policies continue to generate discussion, it remains uncertain whether player feedback will prompt any adjustments to the regulations.
