Yuvraj Singh’s wife openly opposes Virat Kohli's stand on BCCI’s family diktat

After BCCI, legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh’s wife Hazel Keech has blocked Virat Kohli’s idea that the players should have the luxury of having family with them throughout the international tours. Recently, Hazel Keech counterattacked Virat Kohli’s concerns over BCCI’s rules for family time.

Following India’s poor Australia tour, the BCCI introduced new rules restricting family time for players during international tours, which has sparked mixed reactions from cricketers around the world. Recently, Virat Kohli openly expressed his frustration at an event over the BCCI’s new rules for the families, questioning their impact on players' well-being.

Hazel Keech blocks Virat Kohli’s call for unlimited family time on tours

However, the BCCI remains firm in its stance by saying that the rule is in the best interest of the India National Cricket Team. Amid the debate, Hazel Keech has defended the policy and shared how players can sometimes lose focus on the field when their families are present.

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Recalling Yuvraj Singh’s playing days, Keech admitted that long tours are tough for both families and players, but at the same time, families become the reason for the players’ distraction. She recalled how the former World Cup winner’s attention would often shift towards her in the stands, and he couldn’t focus fully on his game.

The former model and actress believes that limiting family time is beneficial for both Indian cricket and players, as they can stay focused on their game while still getting quality time with their loved ones during overseas tours. Her statement was a direct counterattack to Kohli’s suggestions.

Hazel Keech reveals how her presence affected Yuvraj Singh's focus on the field

Hazel Keech was quoted as saying by ANI, “I can understand when Yuvi was playing international cricket, moving from one tournament to another, and he would be away for a long time. For families with small children, it was difficult to be apart for so long. But when I used to watch his matches, Yuvi would always be concerned about me, which affected his focus on the game. So, allowing families to join for a limited time is beneficial in both ways.”

According to the rules, Indian cricketers' families can stay with them for 14 days, but only after the first two weeks of tours that last more than 45 days. For shorter tours, families are allowed to stay for up to 7 days. This rule was introduced after India lost 1-3 to Australia in a five-match Test series.

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I want to be able to be normal: Virat Kohli slams BCCI's rule

Earlier, after winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Virat Kohli had said at the RCB event, “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."

However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia made it clear that the rule will not be changed or relaxed for now. Saikia was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, “At this stage, the current policy will remain intact, as it is of paramount importance to both the nation and our institution, the BCCI.”