DOHA: Some sports events may have sprung into action, but West Indies skipper Jason Holder says he won’t force his team-mates to travel to England for a three-Test series.
“Each player has to be comfortable in making the step,” Holder told BBC. “It’s been made clear if we are to hop on a plane and go over to England to play, it must be safe … from my perspective, I won’t be forcing anyone to go anywhere.”
The UK government has said elite sport can return in June without spectators and the England and Wales Cricket Board is looking at hosting the West Indies series in July.
However, Cricket West Indies Chief Executive Johnny Grave said last week that the players would not be forced to tour the UK, which has recorded over 243,600 cases and more than 34,000 deaths.
No saliva to shine the ball
The ICC Cricket Committee on Monday recommended changes to ICC regulations to mitigate the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus, and protect the safety of players and match officials.
The Committee, chaired by former India captain Anil Kumble, concluded a conference call convened to specifically address issues related to COVID-19 including maintaining the condition of the match ball and the appointment of non-neutral umpires and referees to international cricket.
The recommendations of the Cricket Committee will now be presented to the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee in early June for approval.
