Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mohit Sharma has criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new policy limiting family members’ presence during tours. This update came after Team India’s 1-3 defeat in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia.
Under the revised guidelines, players’ families, including spouses and children, are allowed to join them for up to 14 days, but only after the first two weeks of a tour, provided the tour lasts longer than 45 days. For shorter tours, lasting less than 45 days, family members are only permitted to stay for a week. The introduction of these rules has sparked concerns among players, with Mohit Sharma voicing his disapproval. However, he acknowledged that protesting against policies beyond their control is futile.
“Some things are simply out of our control. While we all have personal views, it’s important to focus on what we can manage. How can having family around ever be negative? If something isn’t within our power, it’s better to let it be. Instead of getting caught up in things we can’t change, we should focus on what’s within our control,” Mohit Sharma shared with ANI (via Hindustan Times).
The BCCI has extended similar regulations to the IPL, mirroring the rules for the Indian national team. For the 2025 IPL season, family members are prohibited from entering the dressing rooms and will be required to travel separately from the team, using different vehicles instead of the team bus.
Virat Kohli, the star batter for Team India, recently spoke out against the BCCI’s strict regulations. Kohli’s wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, is frequently seen at Team India’s matches and was present at the Dubai International Stadium for the 2025 Champions Trophy final on March 9.
“Any player would say they’d love to have their family nearby. It’s not about isolating yourself in your room to sulk. You want to feel normal, and having your loved ones close can help. It’s about managing your game as a responsibility once that’s done, you return to your life,” Kohli expressed during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit (via ESPNcricinfo).
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens.