The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THE return of global cricket when England take on West Indies in the first Test at the Rose Bowl in Southampton from Wednesday has excited International Cricket Council chief executive officer, Manu Sawhney.
Cricket, just like all other international sporting activity has been heavily impacted by the outbreak of the coronavirus with a number of biliteral engagements being suspended since March. It is for this reason that the resumption of international brings about happiness to the ICC head of secretariat.
“We are delighted at the resumption of international cricket with England taking on the West Indies in a Test series beginning tomorrow(Wednesday),’’ Sawhney said.
He acknowledged the efforts of the England and Wales Cricket Board in making sure that the suitable procedures are in place for the safety and security of all those involved. The three Test matches between England and the West Indies will take place at bio secure venues.
A bio secure environment is a set of measures aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of harmful organism. It also aims at curtailing the risk of spread of infectious diseases to people or animals caused by viruses, bacteria and microorganisms.
“I would like to thank the ECB for their tireless efforts in ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of participants. Exactly four months ago to the day, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final was watched by millions of fans the world over and we are sure the excitement remains as high. I wish both teams and the match officials the very best for what promises to be an exciting series.”
The global game has been on hold since March when England abandoned their tour of Sri Lanka in March. Zimbabwe had to put on hold Ireland’s visit to the country in April due to Covid-19, with English county teams forced to abandon their tour of the Southern African nation because of the global spread of the infectious disease.
India have put on hold plans to tour Zimbabwe and South Africa in August. Zimbabwe will not be heading to Australia in August for three ODIs because of the deadly pandemic.
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