BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that the BCCI is looking for a window to let the Indian players get back into match fitness and practice before putting them into a big tournament like the IPL. However, this won’t be done by compromising their health or safety in any manner.
BCCI is keen on hosting the IPL in 2020, which was suspended until further notice, in September-October, Dhumal said the governing body will try and help the players 'get a hang of the game' before a major tournament.
"The boys have been out of touch. We can't straight away go for a tournament. There should be some tournaments before that. We will work on all those options. In case, the IPL has to take place, there has to be some window made available so that the boys can get a hang of the game,” he said.
"They have not held the bat for so many months. It won't be easy and fair for them to straightaway go for a big tournament as IPL," Dhumal added.
Hosting IPL 2020 in empty stadiums BCCI’s last resort, says board treasurer Arun Dhumal
The BCCI official also touched upon the decision to cancel the tours to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka amidst the COVID-19 threat and the travel restrictions in the country. India was scheduled to play 3 ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka from June 24 and 3 ODIs in Zimbabwe from August 22.
"With regards to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, the Sri Lanka series was supposed to start on June 24. But with the restrictions on international travel and considering the safety of people, we had to tell them it's not going to be possible for us to come to Sri Lanka," Dhumal said.
He said that the safety and health of the cricketers were of paramount and until that is assured, no decision will be taken on anything.
"There are certain government restrictions that we have to follow. We also feel lit won't be safe for our players to play at this point in time. There will be nothing that would take place at the cost of the health and safety of our players. That is paramount. Once we are assured of safety, then we can think of resuming cricket,” Dhumal said.
Dhumal also revealed that BCCI will only organize a training camp for contracted players if they can assure the health and safety of its players. As of now, professional trainers have been working with the contracted players on physical and mental health throughout the lockdown period.
"With restrictions on travel and until and unless we are sure of travel guidelines and safety at wherever we organize the camp, we can't plan. All these things will be taken to be taken into account before organizing a camp where all cricketers will come and train,” Dhumal said.
(IndiaToday.in inputs)
