ICC issues guidelines for resumption of int’l cricket
International Cricket Council (ICC) 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 cricket plots its return from the coronavirus hiatus. As member nations ease restrictions imposed to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, the ICC issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at getting the sport up and running around the world while at the same time maintaining the highest safety protocols.
The ICC has recommended the appointment of a chief medical or a bio-safety officer to ensure all the respective government guidelines are followed. The ICC 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
and/or Biosafety Official who will be responsible for implementing government regulations and the biosafety plan to resume training and competition,” the ICC said.
Another point was, “Consider the need for a pre-match isolation training camp with health, temperature checks and CV-19 testing—e.g. at least 14 days prior to travel to ensure the team is CV-19 free.” 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.
In its release, the 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, the ICC advised its affiliates to work in tandem with their respective governments to work their way back.
It recommended maintaining a 1.5m distance (or as directed by respective governments) between players at all times, and thorough sanitisation of personal equipment. The ICC also suggested format-specific training periods for bowlers, allowing them a minimum of 5-6 weeks of training, with the last three weeks involving bowling at match intensity in order to facilitate their return to T20IS. The minimum preparation period for ODIS has been set at six weeks while for Tests, it recommended a preparation time of up to 2-3 months with the last 4-5 weeks involving bowling at full throttle.
CSA PLANS TO ISOLATE PLAYERS IN BIO-BUBBLE
Cricket South Africa (CSA) plan to isolate players and support staff in a “bio-bubble” to minimise their exposure to Covid-19 and hasten a return to play. Team doctor Shuaib Manjra said, “The bio-bubble would be a sanitised cricket biosphere with strict entry standards and limited movement out of this cordon. This will require regular testing of all of those within the bubble.”
No: SHAS/CEO/COVID-19/576/2020 Date: 23/05/2020