As the COVID-19 shutdown threatens to further curtail the English international and domestic summer, limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan had said he is keeping an open view on all options that would be discussed for whenever the situation improves, including the one to field two teams on the same day for different formats under a cramped schedule.
That opinion has been backed in earnest by wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler, who, like his captain, reckons players and administrators should be willing to do whatever is possible for the game's survival in these difficult times.
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"I think I saw (limited-overs captain) Eoin Morgan say everything has to be looked at as a possibility," Buttler told British Media via conference call.
"If it was logistically possible, I think you would get people wanting to watch. Is it an option? Could you put two games on the same day? Potentially you could, in different areas. It's right that it is being considered," he added.
Buttler also sees merit in playing games behind closed doors whenever it is safe to do so. "We haven't watched any sport for a long time, and we know how big an impact TV revenue has on the game and how vital that is."
"I know it would be very strange playing competitive sport without a crowd ... but it would be nice for people who have been in isolation or lockdown for a long time to be able to see their heroes and role models back on the TV," said the 2019 World Cup winner.
Professional cricket remains suspended in UK till May 28 because of the deadly outbreak, with a dark cloud of uncertainty hovering over England's international assignments against West Indies, Pakistan, Australia and Ireland.
For the ECB and all county clubs in UK, the potential suspension of marquee domestic tournaments like inaugural The Hundred, T20 Blast would also result in heavy losses.
The board has already announced a £61 million aid package to overcome this phase. Players, on their part, have volunteered for 20 per cent cut from their salaries as a form of donation for the bigger cause.
(Inputs from Reuters)
