NEW DELHI: In a recent statement, former national selector Saba Karim has shared his insights on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) concerning family time for players during overseas tours. Karim emphasized the importance of finding the ‘right balance’ between maintaining focus on cricket and supporting players’ mental well-being.
The BCCI’s current policy on family presence during tours is structured to ensure players remain focused on their game. Under the policy, immediate family members are allowed to join players for a period of 14 days after the first two weeks of tours that last more than 45 days. For shorter tours, the family stay is limited to seven days. While this regulation aims to keep the players’ focus on cricket, it has sparked discussions among players about its inflexibility.
Karim, acknowledging the crucial role of family support in a player’s life, advocated for a more flexible approach. ‘Every player has a different mindset. The BCCI has established certain rules that have been in place for many years. However, there have been times when these rules were not adhered to properly. I believe it’s essential for both the players and the BCCI to find a balance. It is necessary for players to spend time with their families. I hope the BCCI and the players can work together to find the right balance,’ he stated in an interview with ANI.
Adding to the conversation, star cricketer Virat Kohli highlighted the emotional and psychological benefits of having family around during tours. Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, Kohli expressed his disappointment over the lack of understanding regarding the value family brings to a player’s life. ‘I do not think people understand the value it brings. I feel disappointed because people who have no control over the situation are brought into conversations and put at the forefront as if they need to be kept away,’ he remarked.
The ongoing dialogue between the BCCI and its players reflects a broader conversation about the well-being of athletes and the importance of family support in their professional lives. As cricket continues to evolve, finding the right balance in policies like the family time SOP will be crucial for the sport’s future.