Cricket could get its mojo back

Cricket in a bubble presents both challenges and opportunities amid the uncertainty of the pandemic. It could provide a template on how the game will be played if this crisis drags on and continues to upend our lives. The crowds will be missing or restricted as conditions reach hygienic highs during the Indian Premier League that the UAE intends to host after it passes bureaucratic hurdles in India.

For now, we understand that the Indian government, in its wisdom, has granted an ‘in principle’ clearance for the tournament to be staged in the Emirates, and that’s a good sign for the sterilisation of a tournament that has no precedent. Cricket in a sterile environment will be different, yet difficult to play and organise, but look at the bright side — it will be better than no cricket at all.

Logistically, IPL organisers could begin by creating air travel bubbles for the eights teams after health checks and likely quarantines when they arrive in the UAE.

Travel will be done in phases and team officials and planners have scant time to waste to book charters that are likely to fly in the players, officials and support staff.

Would WAGs (wives and girlfriends) be allowed and should support staff be restricted considering the times we are in? Factor this: the IPL is a long tournament. Add travel, and it would mean players would be away from their families for 90 days. They need all the support they can get and WAGs would be an asset to their performance on the field in these trying times.

The atmosphere will be subdued with fewer fans; even solemn and sterilised in the three stadiums that host matches. Training sessions will be remote and aloof, but this IPL is about cricket playing to stay healthy.

And who knows, it could get its mojo back after being out in the cold for a good part of the year.