The coronavirus pandemic which has left 15 lakhs infected and close to one lakh dead, has crippled the world economy and has brought the complete world to a standstill. Though the world is still trying to recover from the deadly virus and get back onto being normal, the virus has certainly been a source of heartbreak to all the cricket fans across the globe.
Many cricket leagues from all categories like national, international and domestic fronts were suspended after the health boards of respective countries issued advisories to halt the schedules of cricket, as mass gatherings trigger COVID 19 Infections.
13th edition of IPL 2020, the most awaited tournament was also pushed to 15th April, and now the BCCI is looking for the October November window to conduct the tournament. Not only this, due to the postponement of Cricket Leagues has left the future of the cricket players lurking in the darkness. On one hand, where Bangladeshi cricketers are facing the fear of not being paid their salaries, on the other hand, BCCI has already made it clear, if there is no IPL held, no salaries would be paid to association heads and management.
The complete world was placed under lockdown, to arrest the spread of coronavirus, and the players who had returned from foreign tournaments were asked to isolate themselves. During this period the good thing is, it has forced the players to take a break from the monotonous schedule. This would help the players to introspect on how they have been performing throughout the year and what they need to do, to come out with their best in the upcoming leagues.
Apart from this, it is also helping the players to explore their creative side. While some chose to join hands with the government in spreading awareness on the pandemic, by doing their bit like social responsibility, on the other hand, some preferred entertaining their fans by posting creative and funny videos on their official social media accounts which have been a source of amusement to all cricket fans, who now have an idea how do their favorite cricket stars spend their daily lives.
Cricket Events Which Were Affected By Coronavirus Pandemic:
However, the cricket boards will now have to think of alternate schedules to plan their respective leagues, as their cancellation would shatter the economy of the cricket boards. Here is a list of cricket events which has suffered badly, due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic:
1. March 5 – This was the day effect of COVID 19 was first felt in the cricket world. The Everest Premier League (EPL) and ICC Challengers League were canceled due to the chaotic situation arising out of COVID 19 Infection. It was during this period, the health bodies of different countries had issued advisories to all the entities and especially to sporting entities to cancel their upcoming leagues, as mass gatherings can trigger the coronavirus infection.
2. March 11 – The inaugural session of the African T20 league was called off, as the event would see huge mass gatherings from different parts of the world.
3. March 13 – South Africa tour of India and England’s tour of Sri Lanka series was called off before it even started.
4. March 14 – Australia’s tour of the New Zealand two ODI series were called off. Not only this, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was played without any audience in the stadium.
5. March 16 – Dhaka Premier League (DPL) was called off, and the BCCI office was shut down completely for an I definite period.
Pakistan Cricket Board had asked all it’s players to undergo COVID 19 tests. And all the players found negative for the test. Australian Cricket coach had also given a call for closed-door cricket which was appreciated upon, and some of the cricket boards are also planning to conduct the cricket leagues behind closed doors.
The cricket boards are left with no other option, but to wait till the medical situation which has arisen due to coronavirus pandemic normalizes to take a call on anything.
