Delhi Capitals pacer Mohit Sharma questions BCCI's family policy
What's the story
Delhi Capitals pacer Mohit Sharma has expressed reservations about the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) new rule restricting family presence on tours.
The new guidelines were introduced after Team India's 1-3 defeat in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia.
As per these rules, families can accompany players only after two weeks of a tour exceeding 45 days, and their stay is restricted to two weeks.
Player feedback
Players voice concerns over family policy
The new family policy has divided players. While some have voiced their concerns, Mohit Sharma expressed reservations and took a pragmatic approach.
"Some things are beyond our control... How can the presence of families be a bad thing? If something isn't in our hands, it's best to leave it as it is," Mohit told ANI.
This indicates a pragmatic approach to adapting to rules set by the cricket board.
Kohli's perspective
Kohli supports family presence in cricket
Star batter Virat Kohli has criticized the BCCI's strict family policy, calling it counterproductive.
He said having loved ones around gives much-needed emotional support.
"If you ask any player, do you want your family to be around you all the time? You'll be like, 'Yes,'" he said during Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit.
"I don't want to go to my room and just sit alone and sulk."
Policy impact
IPL 2025: Family policy sparks debate
The BCCI has also applied the same family restrictions to the IPL for the 2025 season.
As per these guidelines, families are not permitted in the dressing room and have to travel separately instead of team busses.
With the new season approaching, debates over this policy keep resurfacing, with players like Mohit Sharma and Virat Kohli sharing their thoughts on its impact on their tours/matches.