Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has slammed the BCCI for restricting the amount of time players’ families are allowed to stay with them during overseas tours. The BCCI introduced these rules after India’s 3-1 Test series loss to Australia, and the decision did not sit well with several players — including star batter Virat Kohli, who had also expressed his disappointment.
Recently, while speaking to Ranveer Allahbadia on his YouTube channel, Raina explained that having family around can be crucial when a player is going through a rough phase.
“You do have mental health issues. When you are going through a lean phase and there’s an army gunning for your spot, then such issues crop up. You fear being dropped. When chips are down you need someone to talk to,” he said.
Raina further added that players often hesitate to open up because they fear their concerns may reach the coach or captain.
“When you’re happy, you seldom need anyone. But when you’re down, you fear talking thinking this may end up reaching the coach or the captain, So out of hesitation, players don’t speak out,” Raina added.
Supporting his stance, Raina also reasoned that family presence during long tours should be viewed positively.
“It is very important to have family on tours. BCCI has taken a big decision that family is not allowed – I’m against this. You are sending them to a tour for two months… family should be allowed. It’s not that they (family) are against the players, they (also) would want us to score runs and the country to win.”
He even cited an example involving Kohli to underline the emotional and motivational impact of having family in the stands.
“(Imagine) Virat Kohli playing, his daughter clapping – it’s such a proud moment. He will set the stage on fire,” he added.
Following this issue, during India’s successful Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja had their families with them in Dubai but chose not to stay at the team hotel. The costs for their accommodation were borne by the players themselves.
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