We’re not likely to see a full slate of international cricket matches anytime soon.
It has been a long and frustrating time for cricket fans. Because of the pandemic, we haven’t been able to watch our favourite players and teams play. But that situation changed when the England Cricket Board (ECB) authorized a test series against the West Indies. The series happened in England, and the home-standing team won.
But will we see additional authorizations? Former Indian star Rahul Dravid thinks not. “It is a bit unrealistic to have things at the level.”
He’s probably right. Playing would require a bio-secure environment with a safe cricket ground, a secure hotel for the players, the safety of the match officials, broadcasters, and support staff. Besides, there are quarantines to manage, chartered flights required, and other protections that added significant cost to playing the game. And there’s social distancing. no handing over any items used by players, and umpires using safety equipment, including wearing gloves while handling the ball.
So, when you add it up, it means that–for now at least–we’re likely to be deprived of crowds and the celebration of each wicket.
As Mitchell Starc put it recently, “It’s an unusual time for the world.” That said, let’s look forward to enjoying cricket in a post-COVID-19 environment.
Views at The Sports Column 778
About Jerin Varghese
I’m a student sports journalist from India who’s keen on sports and writes regularly on topics related to international cricket and other major football matches. A sports enthusiast. I’ve won several competitive prizes. My favourite sports are cricket, football, and basketball. My favourite teams are FC Barcelona, Manchester United, FC Bayern Munich, Paris Saint Germain, Golden State Warriors, India’s national cricket team, and Mumbai Indians. My favourite players are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, David De Gea, Stephan Curry, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli.
