Despite the Ministry of Home Affairs directive to allow the stadiums and sports arenas to open without spectators, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is no mood to rush for resuming action. It has rather opted for a wait and watch approach.
The BCCI at the first possible opportunity will organise a skill-based training camp for the centrally contracted players. But that too will not happen till the end of the fourth lockdown period on May 31.
“In the meantime, the BCCI will study guidelines at the state level and will work in sync with State cricket associations to chalk out a programme for skill-based training at a local level. The BCCI office-bearers will continue their interactions with the team management and draw up a suitable plan for the entire team once the situation further improves,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has stated in a Press release.
“Taking into the account the restrictions on air travel and movement of people till May 31, the BCCI will wait further before organising a skill-based training camp for its contracted players. The Board reiterates that the safety and well-being of its athletes and support staff is paramount and will not rush into any decision that can hamper or jeopardize India’s efforts in containing the spread of the virus.”
Central Government while announcing the fourth lockdown on Sunday has extended relaxations to open sports arenas in non-containment zones even though no spectators will be allowed. Since the air travel restrictions stay in force, there is no way the BCCI can get all contracted players for the camp at any single venue.
In its new set of guidelines for the country-wide lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has permitted the opening of sports complex
The BCCI will thus assess the situation in light of the guidelines issued by different State Governments to decide on the next course of action.