Covid Cautious CRICKET !

 

I. World Rankings before Covid

The Covid'19 pandemic has hit the entire world to unimaginable proportions. It is also the first time in the history of cricket that the game has been suspended for such a long time due to natural calamity (World Wars excluded). While our beloved game is trying to get on it's feet, it would be apt to have a recap where we left the game in terms of world rankings.

Test Cricket - 1.Australia, 2.New Zealand & 3.India grace the podium respectively.

ODI - 1.England, 2.India & 3.New Zealand.

T20i - 1.Australia, 2.England & India.               

Though India does not occupy the top spot in any of the formats, it has done fairly well to grab a position amongst the top 3 teams of the world.

 II. Impact of Covid on the game

As with the world order, all sporting activities have come to a screeching halt and no wonder that our beloved game has also been affected. Some international players like Majid Haq of Scotland, Alex Hales of England & Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka tested positive with the virus or were self-quarantined as a precautionary measure. Owing to the lockdown, ongoing international series between India/South Africa & Australia/New Zealand were cancelled with immediate effect.

The BCCI were also forced to postpone IPL 2020 from it's designated schedule. Sponsors, team owners and advertisers have been hit hard due to major financial implications arising out of the situation.

 III. Impact on players

Postponement of series is a big blow to some of the senior players of the game. Somebody like Chris Gayle was hoping to leave the international stage by winning yet another ICC title for the Windiez. Same applies to the legendary M.S.Dhoni who hoped to be picked for the T20i World Cup on the basis of a strong IPL performance. Eventually, MSD has announced retirement from international cricket.

This year England & Wales were all set for the inaugural edition of 'The Hundred' tournament but it also has received a major setback. English cricket was hoping to capitalise on this new format to attract new fans to the sport.

 IV. Initiatives to resume the game

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has taken a bold step by taking the initiative to resume international games. They have identified a pool of 30 players who would stay together for a stretch of 9 weeks while they prepared for the home Test Series against West Indies, Ireland & Pakistan. Players in the squad were rotated to avoid physical and mental exhaustion in the current situation.

A concept of 'Biosecure' bubble was developed to create a conducive atmosphere to combat the pandemic situation for players. The games were played behind closed doors, that is without in-person attendance. Only two venues were earmarked for all the games during this period, Hampshire's Ageas Bowl & Lancashire's Emirates Old Trafford.

.V. Precautions for re-starting the game

Though Cricket being a non-contact support, one factor that calls for a common contact for the fielding team is the cricket ball. Hence, one of the measures of precaution that is being advised is prohibition of saliva application to shine the ball. Thankfully, till date the virus is not known to spread through perspiration which are used as a ball lubricant by the bowlers.

Maintaining social distancing protocol during non-playing time is the key aspect. Appropriate advisories to this effect have been charted out by the ICC as well as the concerned cricket boards and authorities. This comprises social distancing at the hotels, recreation centers, training facilities as well as the transport vehicles. Visitor movement shall be strictly restricted within the quarantine areas.

 VI. What happens if a player contracts Covid while playing

All said and done, there could always be chances for asymptomatic cases to pop up. Detailed protocol are drawn up for such potential circumstances. It advises about how a player is supposed to report to authorised medical experts in such a scenario. Depending on the severity of the situation, the players would be advised to undergo tests or self-quarantine.

It is not yet known if the players would be subject to Rapid Antibody Test which gives an early indication of whether a person is exposed to the infection or not. Now the question is, whether close-in fielders and a wicket keeper standing up for a spinner face virus threat from the batsman or vice-versa.

 VII. Player reactions for playing behind closed doors

Spectators are a vital element of any sport and where team games are concerned, they are the ones to create an electric atmosphere. While fans tend to support the home team, they make every effort to upset the opposition. Teams like India find huge support in every cricket playing nation except Bangladesh.

Players have responded exceedingly well to the two series held on English soil versus West Indies and Pakistan. The Aussies also play a T20i & ODI series where Smith & Warner are found to be relieved for not being chased by the vociferous Barmy Army.

Tournaments like IPL shall be very interesting to watch with no home advantage to the franchisees whatsoever.

 VIII. India's international season

India is scheduled to visit Australia later in the year. All eyes of the cricketing world are fixated on this clash of the Titans. On the one hand are points for the World Test Championship at stake while on the other, Covid concerns will certainly occupy mind of the players.

We have already witnessed emergence of covid positive cases in the IPL even after entering the bio secure bubble. Hope the BCCI have learnt their lessons and extra precaution shall be exercised for the all important tour Down Under.

As in all spheres of life, currently Cricket too is facing the clouds of uncertainty. All we can hope is that spectators get to enjoy the sport in-person and grace the stands as early as possible. An occasional Mexican wave would be the icing of the cake. All said and done, players safety is of utmost importance .

 Rest be assured, exciting games are just round the corner coz as we say in Cricket,

'It's all in the Mind' !!