ICC calls for high-fives ban

High-fives and fist bumps should be banned, according to the International Cricket Council’s guidelines for cricket’s return to action.

The report says celebrations are to be “strongly discouraged” and umpires are to “use gloves when handling the ball” to minimise the risk of infection.

It was confirmed that umpires would not handle caps, sunglasses or jumpers for the players, and that hand sanitiser should be available for players to use after touching the ball. Whether this is in the form of wipes that can be kept in a player’s pocket or dispensers off the pitch is to be decided by individual boards in consultation with their own government guidelines.

As expected, saliva must not be applied to the ball, and players should be given “clear guidance” on regular hand-sanitising and to not touch eyes, nose, and mouth after handling the ball.

The 16-page document covers international, domestic and grass-roots cricket and is designed as a framework for countries to develop their own rules in accordance with those laid down by governments. The England and Wales Cricket Board has produced its own guidelines, which, alongside those from Public Health England, were used to advise the handful of England players this week when they returned to nets.

International cricket will learn what works from the series to be held in England this summer, and so far it seems West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland will tour. Australia are also moving closer to agreeing to play England in September in a series of one-day and Twenty20 games.

The ICC report urges boards to consider chartering flights and “seat spacing” to ensure social distancing, and the use of personal protective equipment while travelling.

England will foot the bill for charter flights to bring West Indies over next month and Pakistan in July, to minimise the risk of players picking up an infection on a commercial airliner.

South Africa, who are due to host India for three T20s in August, yesterday announced they had been studying how football’s Bundesliga had returned to action and were planning to create a “bio-bubble” for players and staff.