Virat Kohli’s recent comments on the BCCI’s family restrictions rule have sparked an important discussion in Indian cricket, earning support from legendary captain Kapil Dev. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced this rule after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, stating that players’ families can only join them after the first two weeks of a tour — but only if the tour extends beyond 45 days. The rule was reportedly implemented to help players maintain focus during the crucial early phase of a series, but Kohli’s perspective highlights the emotional and mental toll it can take on athletes.
Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, Kohli expressed that having families around provides much-needed emotional stability, especially during tough times. He explained how spending time with loved ones allows players to feel more human and balanced, which, in turn, helps them approach the game with a sense of responsibility rather than pressure. Kohli emphasized that after fulfilling their duties on the field, players should be able to return to a life that feels normal — one that isn’t defined solely by the highs and lows of cricket.
"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,” Kohli remarked passionately.
Kapil Dev, one of India’s most respected cricketing icons, backed Kohli’s view during the trophy-unveiling ceremony of the Grant Thornton Invitational Golf Tournament. He acknowledged that while the BCCI has the final say on such policies, players do benefit emotionally and mentally from having their families around. Kapil reflected on his own playing days, noting that his team often chose to focus entirely on cricket for the first half of a long tour, but welcomed their families in the second half to strike a balance between professional commitments and personal comfort.
"I think that’s a cricket board’s call. Mine is, yes, you need a family, but yes, you need a team also all the time. In our time, we used to say to ourselves — not by the cricket board — ‘The first half, let me play cricket. In the second half, the families should come there and enjoy it too.’ It should be a blend," said Kapil Dev, underlining the importance of both emotional support and team camaraderie.
Kohli’s openness about the emotional side of cricket reflects a growing awareness of mental health and well-being in sports. Modern cricket, especially with the packed schedules of international tours, IPL seasons, and global tournaments, has become physically and mentally demanding. Players spend months away from home, which can take a toll on their performance and overall happiness. Having families around, Kohli suggested, acts as a stabilizer — offering a safe space to unwind and recharge between matches.
As Kohli gears up for his 18th IPL season in 2025, his words carry weight not just as a former captain but as one of the sport’s most influential figures. His comments open the door to a larger conversation about how cricket boards worldwide can support players' mental health without compromising the competitive spirit of the game. The BCCI’s family restrictions rule may have been designed with good intentions, but Kohli and Kapil Dev’s views hint that a more balanced, player-friendly approach could be the way forward.
