Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden finds hasten to impose ban on the use of saliva to maintain shine of the cricket ball "strange", as the game's administrators want to be prepared for life after COVID-19.
The Cricket Committee of the ICC has already recommended discontinuation of applying saliva on the ball, which is seen as a potential source of viral spread.
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The proposal would most probably be ratified at the next ICC board meeting in June and become applicable for cricket matches played thereafter.
Sweat, another ball-applicator but not as transmissible, will still be allowed.
Hayden, though, thinks that doesn't make much sense when the game will anyway resume in bio-secure venues, involving players already tested negative of the virus.
"I find the ICC's 'no saliva-yes sweat' decision strange. These are things which are integral to cricket and I don't know how it's going to change. The more sensible option is to test the players properly and ensure that they are COVID negative. If the players in action are virus-free, they should be allowed to use both," Hayden told TOI.
Neither Hayden finds too much comfort in the idea of sport's resumption behind closed doors.
"Fans are the biggest stakeholders of the sport and cricket with empty galleries doesn't look good at all. It definitely takes away the charm of the sport," he said.
With the pandemic firming its grip each day, Hayden feels it's "unlikely" the T20 World Cup, scheduled between October 18 to November 15, will be happening on time in Australia.
"I think the T20 World Cup in Australia this year is highly unlikely," he said. "Though the widely-followed rugby league is starting next week here, I will be surprised if the T20 World Cup goes on without travelling fans, more so because it's a global event."
The 48-year-old isn't too optimistic over the fate of IPL 2020 either.
"I don't know if India will be in a position to host the IPL anytime soon, but I completely agree that a tournament like this is important for all associated with the sport. All I want is a decision after taking everything into consideration," he said, stressing the tournament's importance to world cricket's financial well-being.
For cricketers, having spent so much time within their four walls, it will be like coming out of retirement when the on-field activity resumes, said Hayden.
"Yes, it isn't easy, but many of us have shown that you can be successful. And in this case, it is true for every cricketer...Yes, it will take a couple of weeks to get back into match mode, but it shouldn't be a huge problem because athletes at this level are doing the training necessary to stay in shape."
Talking about retirements, there has been a lot of talk around the future of MS Dhoni ever since his most recent assignment in competitive cricket, the last year's World Cup semi-final in July. The great wicketkeeper batsman was due to return to the field via the IPL 2020, but the pandemic has robbed him of that opportunity.
"It's not about ability, it's about logistics," said Hayden, giving his opinion on the matter. "Where and when will there be an international T20 tournament? But if Dhoni wants to retire, it won't make a difference if he retires after playing IPL or international cricket...No one can take away his contribution to the sport."
(Inputs from TOI)
