On Friday the ICC recommended a range of radical steps, including the appointment of chief medical officers, a 14-day pre-match isolation training camp and the use of gloves by umpires while handling the ball, as International cricket plotted its return from the coronavirus pandemic.
As member nations relax the restrictions imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council (ICC) released detailed guidance aimed at getting the sport up and running around the world while maintaining the highest protocols for health.
The ICC has recommended, among the guidelines, the appointment of a chief medical or bio-safety officer to ensure that all the respective government guidelines are followed as players return to the training. The sport’s governing body suggested a pre-match isolation training camp with temperature controls and COVID-19 checks at least 14 days before travel.
The 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.
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The ICC said in its release that it is just seeking to provide a framework with concrete ideas as to how member nations can resume cricket once the pandemic subsides. Using these guidelines to formulate its own policies, the ICC has urged its affiliates to work in collaboration with their respective governments to get back to cricketing activities.
As far as the bowlers are concerned, detailed guidelines have been issued by the apex body regarding their workload and the risk they run of getting injured. This included suggestions to provide a larger squad for reduced workload.
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It has previously suggested that players should not use saliva to shine the ball as it poses the risk of transmitting the coronavirus infection.
Meanwhile, there were no talks about the impended Indian Premier League (IPL) or the upcoming T20 World Cup.