Competitive cricket prepares for resumption post coronavirus crisis

The coronavirus pandemic has put a halt to several sporting events across the globe and cricket has been affected considerably as well

The governing bodies have suspended all events since March and countries have been on lockdown since.

These decisions will certainly have long-term financial and other implications and it will be interesting to see how the Cricketing fraternities bounce back in a post-Covid 19 world.

The current health crisis has not only affected the events schedule this year, it will affect the future of academies, clubs, support staff and even the cricketing boards of the respective nations.

Financial impact

For example, Cricket Australia staff have been stood down with 20% pay until the end of June. Elsewhere, Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, claims that there could be losses of around £380 million if the season is cancelled.

Apparently, the ECB is planning to formulate two different squads for Test and white ball cricket so that they can cram the fixture list with as many games as they can when it is safe to resume action.

Pakistan Cricket association has extended the duration of player pay cuts.

Big money spinners such as the Indian Premier League have been suspended and the event is unlikely to be hosted this year.

The IPL was planned for this summer but the Covid-19 pandemic has wiped out the possibility of hosting the tournament.
Similarly, England have had their series against India and South Africa postponed. Australia have had to suspend their series against Bangladesh and England.

The men's T20 World Cup in Australia slated for later this year might have to be played out without crowds.

Recently, football returned to action behind closed doors and it will be interesting to see if Cricket decides to follow suit.

The match day revenue is set to take a major hit if that happens.

Post-Covid 19 era and resumption plans

When the sporting events resume later, it will be interesting to see what changes are introduced in the game to combat with the after effects of the pandemic.

For example, bowlers are unlikely to be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball.

Furthermore, players have been without training for a long period now and when cricket resumes, they will need time to get back to the optimum level of fitness or there could be several injury issues.

South African players have resumed training this week after receiving a nod from the government.

Also players might not be keen on a return to action unless it is completely safe to do so. West Indies internationals Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul have all turned down call-ups for England tour recently.

Upcoming fixtures

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