Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 18: Former India captain Kapil Dev has shared his perspective on the ongoing debate over players' families accompanying them on extended cricket tours. While acknowledging the importance of family support, he emphasized that it should not interfere with the team's focus.

The discussion gained traction following India’s 1-3 Test series defeat to Australia, prompting the BCCI to impose new restrictions. Under the revised policy, families can join players for up to 14 days on tours lasting over 45 days, while shorter tours allow only a seven-day family stay.

Speaking at a PGTI press conference, Kapil Dev said, “I don’t know… that’s the cricket board’s call. My personal view is that players need their families, but the team should always remain the priority. Back in our time, we followed an unwritten rule—we focused solely on cricket in the first half of the tour, and only later did our families join us. It should be a balanced approach.”

Earlier, at RCB’s Innovation Lab Summit in Bengaluru, star batter Virat Kohli shared his views on the significance of having family support during long tours. He explained how their presence helps players manage the intense pressures of international cricket.

"The role of family is difficult to explain to outsiders. Just coming back to your loved ones after a tough day on the field keeps you grounded. Many people don’t realize how important this is," Kohli said.

He further stressed that spending time with family allows him to reset mentally, rather than isolating himself after difficult matches.

"I don’t want to lock myself in my room and sulk. I want to feel normal. That helps me treat the game as a responsibility rather than a burden," he added.

With differing perspectives from cricketing legends, the debate continues on how best to strike a balance between professional commitments and personal well-being in the sport.