Gambhir Reacts to BCCI’s Family Travel Policy for Players: “It’s Not a Holiday”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently faced backlash over its new policy governing the travel of players’ families on overseas tours. The policy, which restricts the number of family members who can accompany players on these trips, has been criticized by several cricketers, including India’s star captain Virat Kohli. However, the team’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has come out in support of the policy, stating that “it’s not a holiday” and that players’ focus should be on representing India to the best of their abilities.
Gambhir’s comments come amid a growing debate over the BCCI’s decision to limit the number of family members who can accompany players on overseas tours. The policy, which was announced earlier this month, aims to ensure that players are not distracted by personal issues and can focus on their cricket. However, many players have expressed concerns that the policy will lead to further stress and difficulty in managing family responsibilities.
Kohli, who is known for his strong views on the importance of family, was one of the first players to speak out against the policy. In a recent interview, he stated that the policy would not only affect the players but also their families, who would be left behind in India. “It’s not just about the players, it’s about the families as well,” Kohli said. “We have families, we have kids, we have responsibilities. And when you’re away for so long, it becomes really tough.”
However, Gambhir has taken a different view on the matter. In a recent interview with a leading news outlet, he stated that while families are important, players’ primary responsibility is to represent India to the best of their abilities. “Families are important, but you’re here for a purpose,” Gambhir said. “It’s not a holiday. It’s important to have families, but if your focus is on making India proud and you’re committed to it, everything else becomes secondary.”
Gambhir’s comments have been met with a mixed reaction from fans and fellow cricketers. Some have praised him for his straightforward approach, while others have criticized him for being out of touch with the realities faced by players on the ground.
There is no doubt that the BCCI’s policy has caused significant inconvenience to many players. The policy has been criticized for being overly restrictive and for not taking into account the unique challenges faced by players with young families. However, Gambhir’s comments suggest that the policy is not intended to be punitive, but rather to ensure that players are able to focus on their cricket.
In an era where cricket is increasingly becoming a 24/7 job, it is essential that players are able to manage their personal and professional responsibilities effectively. The BCCI’s policy may be seen as a necessary step in this direction, even if it is not always popular with players.
Ultimately, the success of the BCCI’s policy will depend on how it is implemented and the level of support provided to players who are affected by it. The policy may need to be reviewed and revised in the future to ensure that it is fair and reasonable.
In the meantime, Gambhir’s comments serve as a reminder that cricket is a team sport, and that players’ individual priorities must be secondary to the team’s goals. While families are important, they are not the only priority for players. As Gambhir himself said, “You’re here for a purpose. It’s not a holiday.”
