New Delhi, March 22 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh's wife, Hazel Keech, has shared her views on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) new rule that limits the time players' families can stay with them during tours. She stated that while prolonged separation can be challenging for families, restricting their presence to a certain period helps players maintain focus on the game.
According to the rule, players' immediate families, including their partners and children, can stay with them for 14 days after the first two weeks of a tour lasting over 45 days. On shorter tours, players can be accompanied by their families for up to a week. Speaking about the rule, Keech told ANI, "I can understand when Yuvi was playing international cricket, moving from one tournament to another, and he would be away for a long time. For families with small children, it was difficult to be apart for so long. But when I used to watch his matches, Yuvi would always be concerned about me, which affected his focus on the game. So, allowing families to join for a limited time is beneficial in both ways."
The BCCI introduced these restrictions on players' family time during tours following India's 3-1 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The board’s decision reflects a strategic measure aimed at addressing concerns about player focus and performance amidst extensive schedules and travel. The guidelines were incorporated into player contracts but had been relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, permitting families to join players within the team bubble to support their mental well-being.
In terms of financial arrangements, the BCCI covers accommodation costs for players' families during tours but does not cover their travel expenses. This aspect of the rule has triggered discussions about the balance between maintaining player performance and ensuring familial support.
However, the new policy has become a heated topic of debate amongst players. Notable cricketer Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment regarding the limitations on families accompanying players during tours. Despite this resentment, the BCCI remains steadfast in its decision to prioritize players' focus and discipline, indicating that they believe long family stays could detract from playing performance.
As reported by various cricket sources, despite the pushback from cricket superstars like Kohli and others, the BCCI continues to uphold its position on this 'family diktat.' While some players feel strongly about the emotional and mental support provided by their families, the board emphasizes structure as essential in its dealings.
Cricket has always been steeped in traditions and the BCCI's policies reflect a balancing act between personal support systems and the rigorous demands of international play. The conversation ignites concerns not just about individual players but about the future of Indian cricket as it aims to maintain its standing on the world stage.
Ultimately, Keech’s comments provide insight into the emotional landscape of players’ families and underline the challenges faced by players who have to juggle familial responsibilities with their professional commitments. While supporting the BCCI’s fresh approach, she acknowledged the difficulties but framed them within the broader context of the sport’s demands.
This change in protocol from the BCCI has undoubtedly sparked further discussion about what player welfare looks like in a rapidly evolving sport. As cricket continues to adapt in the wake of recent events, the convergence of personal lives and professional excellence remains a focal point for discussions among stakeholders.
The BCCI remains committed to ensuring the integrity of the sport while responding to the varied dynamics presented by players' personal circumstances. Striking a balance between family presence and the focus required on the field is a task that will continue to evolve as cricket progresses into a new era of competition and performance standards.
