Love, Distraction, Cricket And A Marriage Proposal !

When the BCCI recently introduced new guidelines limiting family presence during international tours, it sparked debates among cricket players, fans, and families. The reasoning behind it? To minimize distractions and maintain team focus, especially after India's 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. While many found the decision bizarre, I couldn’t help but recall an experience that, in hindsight, makes this rule seem completely justified.

A year ago, while working at a PR agency, I was assigned to service a cricket league team. My role involved profiling players—understanding their backgrounds, crafting narratives, and ensuring the media had compelling stories to tell.

Meeting ‘him’

Just a few days before the tournament began, I attended a team gathering where I met all the players and introduced myself. Among them was a particular player—let’s call him X. While most players simply answered my questions for their profiles and moved on, X engaged in conversation and also asked about me—where I was from, what I did, and more. Later that evening, he sent me a follow request on Instagram. Soon, the messages started flowing.

At first, it was professional—but soon, the conversations took a personal turn. He inquired about my relationship status, and when I mentioned that I was in a committed relationship, he casually suggested, "Why don’t you break up with him? I laughed it off, thinking he was joking, but bro, he wasn’t.

Casual Flirting se Marriage Proposal tak

Over the next few weeks, X made no secret of his growing interest. Insisted on video calling on my birthday, insisted that we meet and so much more. As the tournament progressed, his attention remained divided—not just between the game and our conversations, but also quite literally on the field.

I used to sit in the media box, a large transparent enclosure in the stadium, wearing the team jersey. He knew where I sat, and during matches, he would often glance up, smile, and make eye contact instead of keeping his focus on the game. While it was amusing in the moment, like most advances by men seem to me, this one was also concerning.

By the time the tournament neared its conclusion, X had gone from playful flirtation to something much more serious. He outright asked me to marry him. 

Looking back, I can see how distractions—whether personal relationships, family, or emotions—can interfere with a player’s performance. X was talented, no doubt but his mind wasn’t always on the game. Instead of building chemistry with his teammates, strategizing for the next match, or focusing on his role in the squad, he was looking up at the media box.

And this is where the BCCI’s policy makes sense. A player’s mental space is just as important as their physical training. While it’s human to seek comfort and connection during long, grueling tournaments, constant emotional distractions can impact performance. What might feel like a harmless indulgence in the moment could have larger repercussions—on the team, the player, and the game itself.

Today, X and I remain friends. He still occasionally asks if our dynamic could be more than that.

As for the BCCI’s decision? I see its merit. A clear mind, free from unnecessary distractions, is crucial for athletes at the highest level. Maybe, just maybe, if X had been as focused on his game as he was on me, he would have performed even better that season.

Thanks, XOXO.