Empty stadiums no issue for some cricketers
AUSTRALIA could meet old cricket enemy England behind closed doors during July’s tour of the UK.
With international sport in hiatus, host captain Eion Morgan says it could be the way forward to advance the game.
The coronavirus has led to the postponement of the country’s domestic season until at least May 28.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is already preparing for a situation where internationals can take place this year without crowds.
Australia is among those countries visiting the UK this year, with three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals scheduled in July.
But while English grounds are used to bumper attendances for international fixtures, Morgan pointed out that was not the case everywhere so playing at empty stadiums would therefore not be too much of an adjustment for him.
“I’ve played county cricket for a long time and Test match cricket in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and that’s the exact same, I’d say,” World Cup-winning captain Morgan said.
“From a very serious point of view, if medical experts advised us it was OK to play behind closed doors and it was on TV, I think that would be a huge step forward for the game.”
The ECB has announced a $124 million stimulus package to keep counties and clubs afloat during the pandemic due to a fall in revenue during what should be English cricket’s peak commercial months.
Centrally contracted England players will not be approached to take a pay cut but may discuss the option on a voluntary basis.