Legendary Indian cricketer and World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev supported Virat Kohli’s stance on the BCCI’s new family travel policy. Kohli, who is gearing up for the IPL 2025, had criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for implementing the rule, which has sparked divided opinions.
After India’s 1-3 Test series loss to Australia, the BCCI introduced new restrictions on family visits during tours. For tours longer than 45 days, players can have their families join them only after the first two weeks, with a maximum stay of 14 days. Family visits are allowed for up to one week on shorter tours.
I Feel Quite Disappointed About That – Virat Kohli
During the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit ahead of IPL 2025, Virat Kohli shared that it is challenging to convey the grounding effect of returning to his family amidst external pressures.
“It is very difficult to explain to people how grounding it is to come back to your family every time you have something intense happening on the outside. I don’t think people have an understanding of what value it brings. I feel quite disappointed about that,” Kohli said.
Virat Kohli, like many Indian batters, struggled during the challenging Test series against Australia. He scored only 190 runs over five matches, including a century. The defeat in the series also raised doubts about Rohit Sharma’s future in Test cricket.
I Think It’s the Cricket Board’s Call – Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev stated that the decision regarding family presence during tours is ultimately up to the cricket board. While he acknowledged the importance of family, he emphasized that a team is needed all the time.
“Well, I don’t know, that’s individual. I think it’s the cricket board’s call. My view is, yes, you need family. But you also need a team, all the time” said the 1983 World Cup-winning captain, speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Kapil Dev Grant Thornton Invitational’ event.
Players such as Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami had their families accompany them to Dubai during the recent Champions Trophy. However, they stayed separately from the team at a different hotel. The players covered the expenses for their families’ accommodation, rather than the BCCI.
The Family Should Come and Enjoy It Too – Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev shared that during his playing days, the players themselves decided that the first half of a tour should be dedicated to cricket, while the second half could be reserved for family visits. He emphasized that it should be a balanced approach.
“In our time, we used to say to ourselves — not by the cricket board — that the first half of the tour should be cricket, and in the second half, the family should come and enjoy it too. It should be a blend,” said Kapil.
Virat Kohli is preparing for his 18th IPL season in 2025. He will be seen in action for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22 when they play against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
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