ICC provides guidelines for the resumption of cricket

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the culmination of numerous sporting events across the globe. While the Bundesliga announced its return last week, social media was engulfed by the tittle-tattle about the resumption of cricket action.

As some governments have started to loosen the lockdown restrictions to a significant degree, the International Cricket Council ( ICC) has provided a comprehensive blueprint for the resumption of cricket activities at all levels of competitive cricket.

A document entitled 'ICC Back to Cricket' was established by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee with the help of the Member Medical Representatives, which provides various recommendations for teams to return to training, play and travel.

The memorandum also instructs the appointment of a chief medical/biosafety officer to ensure that the guidelines are followed when the players return to their training regime. With regard to the impact of the virus, the ICC has decided to set up a pre-isolation camp, which will include temperature tests and Covid-19 testing centres.

With the apex board recently outlawing the use of saliva to shine the ball, the ICC believes in giving the players stratagems about the cautious management of the ball. In addition, the umpires have been asked to wear gloves and not to keep any of the players' accessories during the game. 

Significant points discussed:

• Regular sanitisation when in contact with the ball.
• Players will be asked not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth after contact with the ball.
• Players should not share their respective equipment during game/practice sessions. 
• ICC also accentuates the importance of availability of medical facilities at the venue. 

With regard to maintaining social distancing protocols, the board has restrained bowlers/fielders from performing on-field celebrations like before.  

The ICC focuses primarily on the eradication of risks related to the cricketing environment prior to the match. Cricket activities can only be resumed with the consent of the respective governments, and ICC members need to work in close liaison with the latter. 

The Council acknowledges the value of offering safety models to society in the war against the pandemic. According to the model prepared by the ICC, the training camps will be divided into four phases. With ICC putting in hard yards to achieve the pinnacle goal of resuming the services of the game, it will be intriguing to see how the game of cricket evolves in the post-pandemic era. 

[ Cricbuzz Input ]