Misbah-ul-Haq, former Pakistani cricketer who is also the current head coach and chief selector of Pakistan, said that the forced lockdown imposed due to coronavirus is now becoming depressive and action should be begin on the field to overcome the issue.
Notably, there are reports England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) contemplating rescheduling and organising the three Test matches against Pakistan in August behind closed doors at Manchester Old Trafford and Southampto.
Playing in an empty stadium is not an issue
Pakistan’s head coach said that he wants the action to begin even if it means behind the closed doors.
“It is not an ideal situation for anyone because of this coronavirus pandemic and obviously the health and well being of everyone should be our top priority. But if matches can be held even in empty stadiums with the right safety barriers … I would have no problems,” said Misbah.
He further said that the players have had nothing to do since the Pakistan Super League was cancelled due to the global health emergencies.
“It becomes depressing when you have nothing to do and hear about mostly COVID-19 news all the time. In this situation if sports can be resumed and if cricket can be started at least it will allow the people to watch cricket at home.”
Need government clearance first
Misbah said that news of ‘German football league Bundesliga’ which is set to resume on May 16 should be taken as precedent.
They took the government clearance first to resume the action and this should be followed by Cricket boards also.
“But even they (German football league Bundesliga authorities) first got clearance from their government. Cricket boards also will have to do that,” he said.
Also, when asked about fitness of players, the Pakistani Coach said that it’s players’ responsibilities.
“I told them as cricket professionals it is their individual responsibility to take care of themselves and their fitness. Because they can be called on duty anytime,” Misbah concluded.
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