With cricket behind closed doors being contemplated in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq was not in favor of playing cricket without crowds, but he would support the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) if sports activities resumed this way.
Imam further claimed that if the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2020, which will be held in Australia from October 18 to November 15, takes place behind closed doors, the showpiece event would end up losing its charm without the crowds and even he’s personally not in favor to play without crowds.
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The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has upended all sporting activities besides risking human life with the cricket calendar around the world have been also hit by the deadly outbreak of the COVID-19.
In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are high chances of the game being played in the empty stadiums in order to resume the cricketing activities slowly once the situation gets better.
Imam said in a video conference arranged by the PCB on Wednesday (April 22), “Playing cricket without crowds would look odd but if that is what the PCB wants then we have to support that. If T20 World Cup takes place, then I think it should take place in front of crowds as its charm is something else for players and everyone involved.”
The opening batsman further added, “I think if it happens behind closed doors, then it would lose its charm but the final decision lies with the ICC and we will respect that. Maybe the World Cup is postponed. Let’s hope for the best. The safety of players and crowd needs to be looked at as well.”
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He further said it was a strange feeling to play a few Pakistan Super League matches behind closed doors due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
Imam added, “We played 1-2 matches in PSL without spectators and it was a strange feeling. So, we will respect the board’s decision. But personally, I feel it is better with crowds as the charm is more. You need to travel in planes, stay in hotels so I feel safety should always be the top priority.”
Meanwhile, the online fitness test conducted by the PCB went well and Imam said: “The fitness tests went exactly like our previous tests. Luckily, I had a gym set up at my home just before the lockdown so I've been keeping myself fit and taking help from the trainer.”
He was also disappointed at being dropped from Test squad after Adelaide Day-Night Test last December, saying he deserves a second chance to make comeback.
Imam signed off, “I did get upset when I was dropped from the Test team. I thought I would get one more chance in Pakistan. But you can’t get everything you wish for. I need to score big in Tests. I need to adjust and I am working on that. If I get one more chance you will see a different Imam in Tests.”
(With IANS Inputs)
