Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar on Friday (January 8) endorsed BCCI’s decision to ask for relaxation on strict quarantine protocol ahead of the fourth Test in Brisbane, saying the Indian board is only "protecting its players" just like Queensland health authorities are entitled to shield their people in the wake of fresh COVID-19 cases.
See Also: Brisbane Test under dark clouds as Queensland announces lockdown after new COVID-19 case
According to a PTI report, BCCI on Thursday (January 7) wrote to CA, seeking relaxation in hard quarantine protocol of Brisbane, reminding its Australian counterpart that the visitors have already served the stern isolation that was agreed upon at the beginning of the tour.
While CA has stated that players can mingle outside their hotel room, BCCI wants a written assurance on the matter. However, the staging of the final Test at the Gabba from January 15 is now under dark clouds with the new three-day lockdown announced in Queensland.
"The Queensland government is fully entitled to protect its people. Similarly, I believe the BCCI is fully entitled to protect its team. I think that's something we should never forget," Gavaskar said during commentary on Channel 7.
"In Sydney, there are people coming to the ground and then going back and having dinner at a restaurant or having a gathering of 20, 30 people in a pub."
Gavaskar then explained why the Indian team is not wrong in demanding a bit of leeway inside the hotel.
"What they're saying is they should also be allowed to do something similar. You could have a situation where the ball goes into the crowd, somebody from the crowd touches the ball. One can understand that. One can understand why they're feeling that way," he added.
A top BCCI executive has reportedly written to CA head Earl Eddings, citing to him the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two boards on the modalities of the tour which never had any specification on two strict quarantines in separate cities.
As per the report, Sydney Cricket Ground will be the backup venue in case Brisbane can't host the Test or Indians refuse to travel because of harsher quarantine protocol.
(With PTI inputs)
