Mohit Sharma Sides with Kohli Against BCCI's Strict Family Travel Policy for Overseas Tours

Mohit Sharma Sides with Kohli Against BCCI's Strict Family Travel Policy for Overseas Tours

Cricketers Push Back: Family Life vs. BCCI’s Tight New Rules

It didn’t take long for the heat to turn up on the BCCI’s new family travel policy. Fast bowler Mohit Sharma has now spoken out against the revamped rules, adding fresh fuel to a debate Virat Kohli started a few weeks back. At the heart of the issue? Whether strict limits on family presence overseas actually help—or just add more stress to players’ lives.

After India’s disappointing 1-3 loss in the 2025 Australia Test series, the BCCI decided it was time for more discipline. Their new policy puts a pretty firm cap on things: family members can now only join players abroad for 14 days, and that’s only if the tour lasts 45 days or more. The idea is to keep distractions low and focus laser sharp. But to players like Sharma and Kohli, it feels more like swapping one kind of pressure for another.

Kohli was blunt when he first addressed the change. He made it clear that family isn’t just a perk—it’s what helps cricketers stay grounded on marathon tours. After a tough match, seeing familiar faces brings relief and helps with focus. Sharma echoes these thoughts, saying the rule doesn’t just cut off comfort; it chips away at mental well-being after weeks on the road.

The BCCI’s Side: Duty Comes First

The BCCI’s Side: Duty Comes First

Not everyone is opposed, though. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir hasn’t budged an inch. He’s all about the big picture: playing for India, he insists, isn’t about comfort but about purpose. When you’re handed the job of representing the country, he says, that’s a privilege with strings attached—including personal sacrifices like less family time. For Gambhir and the board, wants shouldn’t override needs.

The official line from the BCCI is all about accountability and results. They argue that when you’re playing for millions of fans, even tiny distractions can stand between the team and a win. That’s why stricter boundaries have replaced the more relaxed rules that players previously enjoyed. Still, the board leaves a tiny door open: if a player needs longer family time, they can always put in a formal request for special approval.

This clash is about more than just a policy. It’s the classic tug-of-war between the personal and the professional. With high-profile voices like Kohli and Sharma on one side, and the BCCI leadership holding the line on the other, this isn’t a debate that’s ending soon. For now, every Indian tour abroad will come with a bit of extra baggage—either in the form of stricter discipline or a louder call to recognize players’ emotional needs.

Rohan Neeraj
Written by Rohan Neeraj
I am a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience specializing in news analysis, and I am particularly keen on covering topics related to India's socio-political landscape. My career has taken me across various media platforms, providing nuanced insights into current affairs. In addition to reporting, I enjoy crafting in-depth articles that bring complex stories to a wider audience. When I'm not chasing stories, I relish exploring new cuisines and outdoor adventures.

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