IPL 2025: BCCI FORCED to reconsider 'family diktat' after Virat Kohli’s open criticism

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly reconsidering its strict policy on family restrictions during overseas tours following criticism from Virat Kohli. The rule, which limits the duration of family visits, has sparked debate, and Kohli’s criticism has prompted the board to reconsider its stance.

Notably, the BCCI issued strict family visit guidelines after India's 1-3 series loss to Australia. Family members, including spouses and children, can join players only after the first two weeks of a tour lasting over 45 days, with a maximum stay of 14 days. For shorter tours, families can stay with the player for only a week.

Don't Want to Go to My Room and Just Sit Alone - Virat Kohli

The new family visit rule received mixed reactions, with several players raising concerns. Virat Kohli emphasized the importance of having family members around during long tours, stating that players prefer their families' presence rather than isolating themselves in hotel rooms.

"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," Kohli said in an event ahead of the IPL 2025 season.

BCCI May Reconsider Strict Family Restrictions on Tours - Report

The BCCI is reportedly considering easing its strict family restrictions on tours after Virat Kohli's criticism. According to an ANI report, players may now have the option to request extended stays for their family members by seeking approval from the board.

"While there is no official confirmation yet, sources suggest that under the new framework, players will have to submit requests to the BCCI," the report read.

The BCCI has extended its family-related restrictions into IPL 2025 along with Team India. According to the new guidelines, family members will not be permitted inside the dressing room and must travel separately from the players instead of using the team bus.

Virat Kohli's IPL 2025 Campaign To Begin On March 22 In Kolkata

Talking about Virat Kohli, the 36-year-old holds several IPL records, including the most centuries overall (eight) and the most in a single season (four in 2016). His IPL 2025 campaign will begin on March 22 when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens.

Last season, RCB lost seven of their first eight games. However, Kohli turned things around in the latter half, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 741 runs at a strike rate of 154.69 in 15 matches. His aggressive approach helped RCB win six consecutive games and qualify for the playoffs.

The ace batter had his highest strike rate in any IPL season. RCB were eliminated by Rajasthan Royals in the playoffs, continuing their wait for a maiden title after three final appearances in 17 years.

Also read: IPL 2025: Harbhajan Singh picks best combined MI-CSK all-time XI, snubs Sachin Tendulkar