Grave says CWI ‘optimistic’ ahead of second ECB meeting
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Cricket West Indies and the England and Wales Cricket Board are scheduled to meet again tomorrow to hammer out further details, in an effort to ensure the three-Test tour of the United Kingdom comes off amidst the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave, the two boards had a productive first meeting two weeks ago which included all the key stakeholders from captains to chief medical officers.
But with the situation in the UK – one of the hardest hit regions – still evolving, Grave said CWI was expecting a further update on planning for the series from the ECB, especially with the UK government announcing an ease in lockdown measures this week which could see sport resume behind closed doors.
The series would be the first of its kind to be played at “bio-secure” venues and involve strict quarantine and social distancing protocols, and Grave conceded the experience would be a novel one for players, officials and administrators.
However, he cautioned that despite the ongoing planning, both sides were still “a long way off” on deciding if they tour went ahead.
“We’ve got to get back playing cricket and the cricketers pretty much across the Caribbean have been in complete lockdown in 24-hour curfews, are champing at the bit to get back playing the game they love,” Grave said.
“We’re not going to rush it but it is going to be very, very different, and we’re a long way off being able to confirm whether the tour will happen or not.”
The UK has recorded 237 000 infections and nearly 34 000 deaths but authorities believe the infections have passed their peak. Earlier this week, government announced an ease in the lockdowns which would see a partial reopening of parks and some businesses.
However, government also said there would be no professional sport played until June 1 at the earliest.
Grave acknowledged the UK situation was a fluid one which the ECB was continuing to monitor carefully,
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