Virat Kohli criticizes BCCI's family restriction rule, says "Don’t want to sit alone and sulk"

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli has voiced his disappointment over the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) restricting players’ family presence during overseas tours. Kohli argued that having family members around brings balance and normalcy, especially when players go through intense professional phases. His remarks come after BCCI introduced new guidelines following India’s 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which restricts players’ families from joining them on tours beyond a limited period.

Under the new BCCI regulations, players' immediate family, including partners and children, can only stay for 14 days after the first two weeks of a long tour (exceeding 45 days). For shorter tours, families can accompany players for up to a week. Kohli, speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit ahead of IPL 2025, openly criticized the decision, emphasizing the mental and emotional benefits of having loved ones around.

"It is very difficult to explain to people how grounding it is to just come back to your family after something intense," Kohli was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "I feel disappointed because people who have no control over what happens on the field are put into conversations and blamed unfairly. It’s almost like they are the problem."

The former India captain further stated that no player wants to sit alone and sulk after a poor performance. Instead, he highlighted how having family members helps maintain a sense of normalcy. "I want to be able to be normal. Cricket is a responsibility, but once it’s done, you should be able to return to your family life," Kohli explained.

Kohli’s comments also come ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, where he will play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The star batter has been in exceptional form, having played a crucial role in India’s recent ICC Champions Trophy victory, where he was the team’s second-highest run-scorer. Kohli registered 218 runs in five matches at an average of 54.50, including a memorable 100 against Pakistan* and an 84-run knock against Australia in the semi-finals.

As Kohli gears up for RCB’s IPL 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22, he will also have his eyes set on record-breaking milestones. Currently, the highest run-scorer in IPL history, Kohli has amassed 8,004 runs in 252 matches at an average of 38.66, with eight centuries and 55 half-centuries. Last season, he won the Orange Cap for scoring 741 runs at a strike rate of 154.69, including a century and five fifties.

Kohli's public stance on the BCCI’s family policy has sparked debate among cricket experts and fans. While some argue that professional focus should remain paramount, others believe that mental well-being is equally important. With BCCI unlikely to reverse its decision soon, it remains to be seen whether more players will join Kohli in voicing their concerns.