MEDICAL OFFICER, GLOVES FOR UMPIRES WHEN CRICKET’S BACK

DUBAI:The International Cricket Council on Friday recommended a slew of measures, including the appointment of chief medical officers, a 14-day pre-match isolation training camp and use of gloves by umpires while handling the ball, as international cricket plotted its return.

ICC recommended the appointment of a chief medical or a bio-safety officer to ensure all the respective government guidelines are followed as players return to training. The sport’s governing body recommended having a pre-match isolation training camp that will involve temperature checks and Covid-19 testing at least 14 days prior to travel.

“Consider appointing a chief medical officer who will be responsible for implementing government regulations and the biosafety plan to resume training and competition,” ICC said.

ICC has also asked for the formulation of an adequate testing plan during practice and match situation. It has stated that players should not be handing over caps, towels, jumpers etc. to the umpires between overs, while also saying that the on-field officials might have to use gloves while handling the ball.

ICC said it seeks to only provide a framework with practical suggestions on how member nations can resume cricket once the pandemic subsides. Using these guidelines to formulate their own policies, ICC advised its affiliates to work in tandem with their respective governments.

ICC called on the boards to provide a safe workplace for the cricketers, which entails risk assessment of training and match venues. ICC also recommended maintaining a 1.5m distance (or as directed by the respective governments) between players at all times, and thorough sanitisation of personal equipment.