Not Reconsidering Family Rules: BCCI After Kohli’s Criticism

Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has denied reports suggesting that the board is reconsidering its “family diktat” after India’s Test series loss against Australia. Media speculation emerged after Indian batter Virat Kohli criticized the policy, leading to rumors that the BCCI might revise it.

The BCCI introduced the amended guidelines after India’s poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and a 3-0 defeat against New Zealand in the home Test series. The new policy restricts the duration of family members’ stay with players during overseas tours. Saikia confirmed that the current policy would remain unchanged. “At this stage, the current policy will remain intact, as it is of paramount importance to both the nation and our institution,” Saikia told Cricbuzz.

Details Of The Family Rule

The BCCI’s family rule allows players on overseas tours longer than 45 days to receive one visit from their partners and children (under 18) for up to two weeks per series. The rule was enforced during the Champions Trophy, which India won after 12 years. Despite the success, some players expressed dissatisfaction with the policy.

Kohli openly criticized the rule during an RCB event in Bengaluru. “If you ask any player, do you want your family to be around you all the time? You’ll be like, yes,” Kohli said. “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.”

Policy Not A New Introduction

Saikia clarified that the family rule is not a new measure. “This policy has not been formulated overnight; it has been in place for decades, dating back to the playing days of our president, Roger Binny — and possibly even earlier,” he said.

The amended guidelines cover additional aspects such as players’ presence at practice sessions, match schedules, tours, luggage, and team movements. The goal is to improve team cohesion and focus.

Saikia acknowledged the mixed reactions to the policy. “The BCCI recognizes that there may be some resentment or differing opinions, as in a democratic setup, people are entitled to express their views,” he said.

He also hinted at possible future adjustments. “The BCCI has increased the duration of family members’ stay during overseas tours and may relax the norms under special circumstances through a proper process,” Saikia added.

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