Pietersen calls for resumption of cricket behind closed doors
The resumption of sport will lift morale for people around the world during the Covid-19 crisis and cricketers owe it to fans to play behind closed doors if that hastens the process, former England captain Kevin Pietersen has said. “Fans, the public, need a morale boost. Their morale at the moment is so negative, so down in the dumps,” the 39-year-old said.
“New sport will have to be played behind closed doors until we find a vaccination for coronavirus. Sportsmen have got to deal with it. Some sportsmen are in the prime of their life. Why would they not want to be playing? So what if the crowds are not there? The crowds may not be there in person but the broadcasting numbers will be massive,” Pietersen added.
‘INDIAN PLAYERS MUST PLAY OTHER LEAGUES’
Suresh Raina and former all-rounder Irfan Pathan on Saturday said that BCCI should allow those Indian players to compete in foreign T20 leagues who are not in contention for national team.
“I wish BCCI plans something with ICC or the franchises that Indian players get to play foreign leagues. At least allow us to play in two different foreign leagues. If we play quality cricket in terms of foreign leagues, then it would be good for us. All international players make a comeback by playing in all those leagues,” Raina said during an Instagram Live session with Pathan.
Pathan said, “There is a different mindset in different countries. Michael Hussey made his debut at the age of 29 for Australia, an Indian player can never make his debut at the age of 30. I think as long as you are fit, you should be available to play for your country I would suggest that all those players who are 30 years old and they are not on your radar to play international matches, you should allow them to play in foreign leagues.”
HAYDEN JOINS VIRTUAL CRICKET COMMENTARY
Matthew Hayden will lend his voice and expertise as a commentator on World Cricket Championship. Hayden will offer English commentary and will join Aakash Chopra, who will commentate in Hindi.
“Any gamification of a real sport can be a very creative and a liberating space. I loved the freedom that I got in the commentary box of the virtual cricketing world. The game will help involve the audience that wants to participate in the real game of cricket,” Hayden said in a press release.
WORKING CLOSELY WITH GOVT FOR RESTART: ECB
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it is working closely with the government to ensure safe resumption of the game amid the pandemic.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday announced that the lockdown will remain in place till at least June 1 in the UK. The ECB has already suspended cricket till July 1. “We are working closely with the government to establish when and how it will be safe to resume play, and we look forward to sharing our plans as they progress,” ECB said.