Financially weakened by the game's suspension in the wake of COVID-19 lockdown, cricket boards across the globe are exploring options to play the upcoming series.
India’s next assignment is in Sri Lanka for three ODIs and many T20Is. The fixtures are currently under threat because of the pandemic and the BCCI on Wednesday (June 10) said they are still following the ‘wait and watch’ policy when it comes to the tour of Island nation for a limited-overs series in August.
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The board also made it clear that it will abide by the guidelines issued by the government as players' safety is the utmost priority.
"Wait and watch is what we are following for the moment. It is still two months away and like we have said time and again, safety is priority and we will abide by the directives issued by the government. Too early to answer the question whether the tour will happen or not. We have not taken any decision as of now,” a BCCI official said while speaking to IANS.
"Also, the situation with regards to the pandemic is constantly changing and the government has been on top in an effort to control the pandemic and help normalcy return. So, we will take a call when the time is appropriate," he added.
Sri Lankan newspaper 'The Island' on Tuesday (June 9) reported that the BCCI has agreed to tour Sri Lanka for the postponed series, subject to government clearance.
The tour was scheduled for June but had to be postponed due to travel restrictions in both the countries.
Asked whether the series will be played in empty stadiums, an official told 'The Island' that this is not what Sri Lanka Cricket (SCL) wanted.
"Ideally, we would want to fill up 30 to 40 percent of the venues. Spectators can maintain the one meter distance and watch games. However, the final call will be made by health officials. We will follow all their instructions," he said.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, is also hoping to play host to the Asia Cup T20, originally scheduled to be played in Pakistan, where the BCCI has already declined to send the Indian team.
SLC chief Shammi Silva has said that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is okay with that development.
"We had a discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and they have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation," Silva was quoted as saying by Sri Lankan media outlet ‘Ceylon Today’. "We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament."
(With IANS inputs)
