First, they say do not apply the saliva. No, you can’t. You mustn’t. You shouldn’t also. Then, the same is made official and ‘made-to-adhere’ official ruling. Now, there’s news that the ban on using saliva is being ‘improved!’
What’s one to do. What is going to happen? Are we going to see cricketers lick parts of the cricket ball and if so, how so and how is that entirety of thing going to happen.
What’s happening here. There are times we need clarity. Maybe, at this point in time- it’s needed the most. Don’t you think?
Apparently there’s some latest change being introduced in the context of the usage of saliva during these desperately dangerous and ever-unpredictable COVID-19 times.
So what precisely is the issue and what are we going to see changed? Any clues?
Well, we’ve got you covered.
In an official statement made available to all the leading print newspapers and other online publications, here is what the governors of the sport- the ICC- had to say about the latest rules:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday confirmed interim changes to its playing regulations, which include the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball and allowing home umpires in international series. It also decided to allow teams to have a replacement for players showing Covid-19 symptoms in Test matches. All these changes were recommended by the global body’s cricket committee led by former India captain Anil Kumble.
And that being said, the following are the exact words of the presser that are worth noting:
The ICC in a press release stated, “The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) ratified recommendations from the Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee, aimed at mitigating the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus and protect the safety of players and match officials when cricket resumes.”
But is that all? Or could it be that there are some new alterations to the laws governing players and talents contesting in a cricket match during the time of the current pandemic and what is that all about?
Here’s what you need to know.
Apparently, if a player gets ill or develops some form of infection or ailment pertaining to the COVID-19 virus given the current times are filled with that risk, then the ICC has a definite plan of action in order to make do for the loss.
The ICC in a press release stated, “The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) ratified recommendations from the Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee, aimed at mitigating the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus and protect the safety of players and match officials when cricket resumes.”
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And maybe in here lies the key. Because the aforementioned strictly and only applies to Test cricket. Maybe for the simplest reason that physically and mentally speaking this is the real draining contest, therefore, there’s no such application whatsoever in the remainder formats, which are ODIs and T20Is.
That being said, it’s quite interesting right, given the rampant changes cricket’s respectable governing body is bringing about. The need for a player’s safety is of absolutely utmost importance.