Wasim Akram, the legendary pacer, feels that hosting the T20 World Cup behind closed door post-COVID-19 pandemic would not be a good idea and ICC should wait for a ‘suitable time’.
Former Pakistani Skipper who celebrated his 54th birthday on 3rd day of this month said a marquee event like World Cup is all about atmosphere when fans from across the globe came to a place to cheer their team up in the match, hosting it without spectators will miss all the action.
“Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea. I mean, how could you have a cricket World Cup without spectators,” PTI quoted the former Pakistan Skipper as saying while talking with ‘The News’.
ICC should wait for a suitable time
Speaking to ‘The News’, the veteran said the apex cricket governing body should think about hosting a ‘proper world cup’ in a suitable time only.
“….so I believe that they (ICC) should wait for a more suitable time and once this pandemic subsides and restrictions are eased then we can have a proper World Cup,” PTI quoted Wasim Akram as saying.
Notably, the T20 World Cup is currently scheduled to be play from Oct 15 in Australia but is under cloud of apprehension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ICC will need to find a quick fix to saliva ban
Akram, during the discussion, also added that ICC will need to find a quick fix to saliva prohibition since it would be difficult for bowlers to bowl only with sweat.
“I’m sure fast bowlers won’t like it if they are stopped from using saliva to shine the ball. They are allowing sweat but I can say for sure that it isn’t the same.”
Recently, Sri Lanka bowlers who restarted their training told their head-coach Mickey Arthur that they prefer saliva over sweat and Akram’s statement echoed Sri Lanka bowlers concern.
“You shine the ball with saliva and sweat is just something of an add-on, a top-up. Too much use of sweat will leave the cricket ball too wet,” he added.
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