Even though the ICC has set guidelines for cricket in the pandemic period, Shakib Al Hasan, one of the game’s most experienced exponents, is hesitant about how cricket will be played in this new era. The game’s governing body released a string of protocols designed to minimize the risk of contracting Covid-19 as countries like England and Sri Lanka have already planned return to training.
Shakib put forward additional questions, ranging from the social and technical requirements which are part and parcel of the game. “Now we are hearing that it [Covid-19 virus] might spread around 12 feet, not just three or six. So does it mean the two batsmen can’t meet at the end of the over?” Shakib told the Dhaka-based Prothom Alo. “They will stand at their ends? Won’t there be any crowd in the stadium? Will the wicketkeeper stand afar? What would happen to close-in fielders? These things require discussions.”
Shakib however said that the ICC are unlikely to let cricket resume without assessing the situation properly. “I don’t think they [ICC] will take a chance before they are very sure. Whatever it is, life comes first. I am sure they will think of safety first,” he said.
Shakib, who is currently serving a one-year ban, said that he is spending his time counting days to his return, too.
“I am counting days in two ways. One, when will corona be over, and the other, when will my suspension end. I am going through a tough time. Although there’s no cricket going on anywhere, I know that if it starts tomorrow, I won’t be able to play cricket.
“When you are restricted about something, whether others talk about it or not, you know yourself about what you are going through,” he said.