Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Pat Cummins expressed willingness to play games of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) behind closed doors whenever safe to do so. Cummins believes that will help restore a degree of "normality" to the sporting world.
The IPL 2020 was postponed by the BCCI until at least April 15 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatens to lead to its further suspension. Especially with the strong likelihood of India's 21-day lockdown period to be officially extended by the central government in wake of the growing positive cases.
"The first priority is safety but the second one is getting back to normality," AFP quoted Cummins, the highest bid foreign player at the auction in December last year. "It's finding that balance. If that, unfortunately, means no crowds for a while then that's that but hopefully, people can watch at home on television."
Cummins, meanwhile, on Wednesday (April 8) was named one of the five cricketers of the year 2019 by Wisden. "The first I heard about it was a couple of months ago," he said. "The award is held in high regard in Australia, I remember my dad and grandad talking about it."
"It caught me off guard to get it but I feel very honoured and privileged to win it. I had to keep it quiet, I hadn't told anyone."
The 26-year-old was crucial to Australia's charge towards the World Cup semi-final before also playing a key role in nation's successful quest to retain the Ashes.
"I have so many favourite moments from the Ashes series," said Cummins, who picked up 29 wickets in the series. "There was a plan years in advance, I was in good form and fitness."
"To have a good series personally is great. It's the one big event you really look forward to, and I'm proud to get through five Tests."
Among his best moments of the series were "the two wins - the first win at Edgbaston, starting the first Test match with a win," he said. "Then obviously retaining the Ashes at Manchester late in day five would be another moment."
During this phase of isolation, Cummins said the Aussie team management has been in touch with every player with regards to their fitness routines. "It's weird because you spent every day with the boys and we haven't seen anyone," he said. "We've been contacting each other WhatsApp -- (opener) David Warner is very vocal on his gym sessions, his house looks like the Rocky 4 movie!"
"Justin Langer has been sending workout videos every day," Cummins added. "Everyone's been enjoying their time separately but keeping in touch."
"By the time we get back on tour we'll be annoying each other in person rather than just over the phone."
(Inputs from AFP)
