Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has voiced his disappointment over the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to limit family time for players during tours.

The new regulations allow players’ immediate family members, including partners and children, to join them only after the first two weeks on long tours (over 45 days) and for just one week on shorter tours.

Speaking at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli emphasized that having family around helps players maintain balance and normalcy, especially during challenging phases. He expressed frustration that those who have no direct involvement in the game are often blamed for performance issues, calling it an unfair and unnecessary restriction.

The Importance of Family in Maintaining Balance

Kohli stressed that family support is crucial in helping players cope with the pressures of international cricket. He remarked that returning to a familiar, comforting environment allows athletes to reset mentally and separate their professional responsibilities from personal life. “I do not want to sit alone and sulk after a bad performance,” Kohli stated, emphasizing that a player's mental well-being is as important as their on-field performances. He believes that spending time with loved ones brings emotional stability, which, in turn, can enhance a player's focus and performance.

Kohli expressed his disappointment over the assumption that family presence could negatively impact a player’s commitment, stating that such perspectives lack a real understanding of an athlete's needs.

Kohli's Recent Performance and IPL Aspirations

Despite the controversy, Kohli continues to shine on the field. He was a key player in India’s recent ICC Champions Trophy triumph, finishing as the team's second-highest run-scorer with 218 runs at an average of 54.50. His match-winning performances included an unbeaten century against Pakistan and a crucial 84 against Australia in the semi-finals.

As he gears up for IPL 2025 with RCB, Kohli aims for his maiden IPL title and hopes to break several batting records. He remains the tournament's highest run-scorer, with 8,004 runs in 252 matches at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97.