The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced that the Indian Cricket Team will not travel to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe owing to the current threat of COVID-19. Team India was originally scheduled to travel to the island nation from 24th June 2020 for three ODIs and as many T20Is and to Zimbabwe for a series comprising three ODIs starting 22nd August 2020.
As stated in the earlier press release issued on 17th May, the BCCI will conduct a camp for its contracted players only when it is completely safe to train outdoors. The BCCI is determined to take steps towards the resumption of international and domestic cricket, but it will not rush into any decision that will jeopardize the efforts put in by the Central and State governments and several other respective agencies in containing the spread of the coronavirus.
The Office-Bearers have been taking note of advisories issued by the Government of India and the Board is committed to fully comply with the restrictions imposed and guidelines issued. The BCCI will continue to study and evaluate the changing situation.
Earlier BCCI Agreed India to Tour Sri Lanka
According to the report, the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has given the nod to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the tour, according to a report in ‘The Island’.
The series was originally slated to take place in July, but was put on hold due to the pandemic. India was supposed to play three ODIs and the same number of T20Is during the brief tour. By the looks of it, it seems the tour will take place, but not as scheduled.
With most governments relaxing the lockdown with allowing travel, the SLC is confident it will get the clearance to conduct the series. The series would also help the revenue of the SLC, who have incurred losses, like most cricket boards during the testing times.
