Ajinkya Rahane would want his wife and daughter to be around during the IPL in the UAE but mindful of the risk it poses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he wouldn't have an issue if the BCCI bars players' families from the event. The IPL is all set to be played from September 19 to November 8 in the UAE, a move forced by the rising COVID-19 cases in India. Rahane, who has changed base to Delhi Capitals from Rajasthan Royals, said health should be top priority.

"As an individual, you take COVID-19 situation aside, you would want your family to travel with you, but because of this situation, safety is important, safety of your wife, family and daughter, obviously safety of your teammates is really important," Rahane told India Today's show 'Inspiration'. "Right now, I feel first health and then cricket is really important. We had a good 4-5 months with our family (during the lockdown)." Rahane said the decision to allow families to accompany players to the UAE lies with the BCCI and the franchise owners. "As I said, safety of our family, safety of our players and safety of each and every individual is important. The decision is completely up to the franchises and the BCCI.