Sources: cricketvictory.com
The COVID-19 has made a huge impact on the lives of the people. With more than 6.5 millions active cases worldwide, the pandemic has done collateral damage in the whole world. The sports world especially cricket is affected the most.
Most of the cricket series are either postponed or cancelled and cricket boards had to bear big losses due to global pandemic. The cricket fans all over the world want to know when they can see their favourite star on the cricket field again.
Here is a short infographic which will give you a glimpse of the current situation due to COVID-19. I am attaching it with this mail.
International Tours Postponed
Players had to go back to their homes due to the lockdown situation in almost every cricketing nation. The International series which were scheduled in the year 2020 had to be postponed or rescheduled.
Some of the big series which were cancelled are mentioned below.
South Africa Tour of Sri Lanka which was scheduled in June has been postponed which includes 3 ODI and 3 Tests.
Pakistan tour of Ireland and Netherland — postponed which was set be played on 4th July, 2020.
England tour of Sri Lanka — postponed which included 2 test matches which were decided to be played between 19 March 2020 to 31 March 2020.
South Africa tour of India which was a 3 match ODI series had been cancelled due to COVID-19. The first match in HPCA, Dharamsala was abandoned due to rain. The rest 2 was cancelled.
T20 Leagues Postponed
The Hundred is a new 100 ball cricket tournament which was introduced by England Cricket and was ready to lock horns on 17 July 2020 but the global pandemic has pushed it further. It has been postponed until 2021.
Indian Premier League(IPL) the biggest cricket league in the world was scheduled on 29 March 2020 has been postponed until September 2020. Due to lockdown. For the safety of players as well as the fans, it was a necessary step taken by the BCCI.
Pakistan Super League, PSL a T20 league of Pakistan had to postpone their playoff matches.
T20 World Cup 2020, Austalia Fate
The mega event is expected to be held in October-November 2022 as per International Cricket Council(ICC). However, The ICC has not taken any decision to postpone the T20 world cup. T20 World Cup 2021 will be hosted by India and BCCI reserves the hosting rights. It is expected to organise the event as scheduled.
Cricket Board Losses due to COVID-19
INDIA – BCCI may incur the loss of 4000 crores if the IPL is cancelled in 2020.
The BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said, “Whatever the steps after this setback, they will be taken judiciously, keeping the interest of all in mind. Any step taken needs to be thought out”.
England – They have decided to postpone cricketing season which will have a huge financial impact on the board. They could bear a loss of 380 million pounds which is clearly a large amount of money.
The much-awaited 100 ball cricket tournament by ECB was set to be played on July this year. But it has now been postponed until 2021 in the light of COVID-19.
South Africa – Cricket South Africa had stated that they had suffered a loss of Rand 159 million for the current year. CSA is hoping to boost their financial situation by hosting two big home series against India and Australia.
Austalia – Cricket Australia had announced to lay off 80 % of staff. Their financial reserves have been hit hard in the world stock market and they stand to lose 174$ million.
Pakistan – Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) had incurred losses due to termination of PSL in the midway. Playoffs are expected to be played in November this year. They had a loss of approximately $5-6 million in the revenue due to the lockdown situation in the whole country.
Other Small Cricket Boards – Sri Lanka Cricket Board, West Indies Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board are going to suffer a lot as they don’t have enough funds as compared to other big cricket boards. Without enough funds, some nations might struggle for basic expenditure. They might need support for the cricket to continue in their country.
Some Good News For The Fans
Its been two months since the cricket was in a halted situation due to COVID-19. There has been some good news coming up from various cricketing nations. Cricket action will resume in the month of July.
Yes, you heard it right…
Players are instructed to start training for the upcoming series under the guidelines given by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
- They have to follow strict protocols while playing and have to maintain distance in the dressing room as well.
- There will be no spitting on the ball.
- Matches will be played under closed-door i.e without spectators on the ground.
- Handshakes will not be allowed before and after the commencement of the match.
- Sanitizers, gloves are mandatory for the players while entering into the stadiums.
- Each player will have a body checkup to ensure the safety of other players.
Some big Series which are coming up in next 2 or 3 months –
Australia Tour of England on 3rd July 2020
New Zealand tour of West Indies from 8th July 2020
South Africa tour of West Indies from 26th July 2020
Pakistan tour of England from 30th July 2020
India tour of Austalia from 11 October 2020
