NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has strongly criticised the BCCI’s decision to bar players’ families from accompanying them on overseas tours, calling it unfair and detrimental to players’ mental well-being.Earlier this year, following India’s Test series loss to Australia, the BCCI issued a revised 10-point guideline that included restrictions on family presence during foreign tours. While the policy was reportedly aimed at maintaining focus and discipline, it has drawn criticism from several quarters – with Raina being one of the most vocal.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Raina said, “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 stressed that having family around offers essential emotional support, especially during tough phases in a cricketer’s career. “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. 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,” Raina explained.
Poll
How important do you think family support is for players during long tours?
He added that players often hesitate to speak up about mental health struggles due to fear of repercussions. “So out of hesitation, players don’t speak out,” he said.“Imagine Virat Kohli playing, his daughter clapping – it’s such a proud moment. He will set the stage on fire,” Raina concluded, underscoring how family presence can boost morale and performance.
