India skipper Virat Kohli has said that he does not really know whether the game of cricket will change or not once the action resumes during this coronavirus period. Kohli was doing an Instagram live session with spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and it was then that the Indian skipper was asked whether he sees the game-changing a lot when it resumes.
“Game-changing a lot? Man I do not know what is going to happen, it is so strange thinking even of practice sessions like instinctively you want to clap/hi-five, but you cannot do that, you will meet people after a long time, and you would have to fold hands and stay away,” Kohli told Ashwin during the interaction.
“I know it sounds strange, it might be a permanent feature until there is some sort of cure or vaccine that comes out, we will need to make that a part of our routine,” he added.However, the Indian skipper also reckons that people won’t find it hard to acclimatize to the new challenges which will be given to players because of the coronavirus.
“We all find it strange, with all things in life, it won’t be that difficult to make a part of our lives,” Kohli concluded.On May 22, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had announced the ”Back to Cricket Guidelines” for the safe resumption of the sport.
To resume training for the international cricket the ICC has said, “Consider appointing a Chief Medical Officer and/or Biosafety Official who will be responsible for implementing government regulations and the biosafety plan to resume training and competition.”
The need for a pre-match isolation training camp with health, temperature checks, and COVID-19 testing at least 14 days prior to travel to ensure the team is coronavirus free is also mentioned.
Sanitization of personal equipment, before and after use, and practice of social distancing is also part of the guidelines. Players and umpires should maintain social distancing on the cricket field and that includes no handing over of player items to the umpire or teammates.
Consider adopting a process that will assist the bowler in managing his/her items. Umpires may also be encouraged to use gloves when handling the ball.
Regular hand sanitising when in contact with the ball, prohibition on the use of saliva and not touching eyes, nose, mouth after contact with the ball are the measures for ”safe management of the ball”.
ICC mentioned while travelling – consider chartered flights and seat spacing to ensure social distancing.
All international cricket has been suspended since March due to the coronavirus.However, England and West Indies are looking to play a three-match Test series in July this year in a ”bio-secure” environment.
