The wait for Rohit, Kohli, Rahane gets longer as MCA rules out resumption of cricket in red zones

Maharashtra government allows resumption of sports with no spectators in Green and Orange zone.

Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma all reside in Mumbai, a COVID-19 red zoneTop India cricketers like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane, who reside in Mumbai will not be able to take advantage of the new COVID-19 guidelines released by the Maharashtra government, which allowed sports complexes and stadiums to be opened.

However, no spectators will be allowed and athletes will only be allowed to practice. Unfortunately for places like Mumbai and all its neighboring areas like Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, and Kalyan-Dombivili are all designated red zones.

The Maharashtra government has allowed the opening of stadiums for individual training in green and orange zones without spectators. This was after the home ministry offered relaxation in regulations for the fourth phase of the lockdown till 31 May.

BCCI to coordinate with state bodies to restart players' skill-based training

"We will strictly adhere to the norms of the state government with regard to the opening of stadiums and sports facilities," a senior MCA official told PTI.

MCA has three facilities - the Wankhede Stadium, the Bandra Kurla Complex, and the Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana in suburban Kandivali. However, as per the government directives, these will remain closed.

This has lengthened the wait of the likes of Rohit and Rahane to hit the ground and resume practice.

A senior Cricket Club of India (CCI) official also said that they will wait for the government order on restarting of activities. "Till then nothing will be resumed," the official stated.

On Tuesday, the city's COVID-19 count rose to 22,563 with an addition of 1,411 new cases and there have been 800 deaths so far, as per Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation data.

(PTI inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 20 May, 2020

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