India axe Zimbabwe tour over virus fear, might play Australia in front of fans Down Under

India called off their cricket tour of Zimbabwe over the coronavirus on Friday, a day after their upcoming trip to Sri Lanka was also cancelled. The Board of Control for cricket in India added that it would not “rush into any decision” about resuming training camps for India’s players.

After Sri Lanka’s board revealed on Thursday that this month’s visit by India was off, the tour of Zimbabwe in August had also looked in jeopardy.

“The Indian cricket team will not travel to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe owing to the current threat of COVID-19,” a BCCI statement said.

India had been due to travel to Sri Lanka on June 24 for three ODIs and three Twenty20s, and then launch a three-ODI Zimbabwe tour on Aug. 22.

Virat Kohli-led India’s next trip is a major, money-spinning tour of Australia for three ODIs, four Tests and three T20s starting in October.

Although India’s government has allowed stadiums to reopen during the national coronavirus lockdown, the BCCI said it was not about to resume training.

Indian cricketers are waiting for the go-ahead from the BCCI before they hit the ground running.

Speaking to IANS, a contracted player said that while the cricketers are looking forward to start their outdoor training, they will do the same only after getting the go-ahead. For now, the players have been following the customised fitness routine given to them by trainer Nick Webb and physio Nitin Patel.

“The BCCI will conduct a camp for its contracted players only when it is completely safe to train outdoors,” said BCCI.

“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.”

India has been reporting almost 10,000 new cases every day, with the total death toll standing at about 8,500.

Meanwhile, India might not have to tour Australia and play their matches in front of empty stands later this year after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said sports stadiums capable of seating 40,000 people will be allowed to host crowds of up to 10,000 from next month, in further relaxation of coronavirus restrictions.

The four Tests of the much-anticipated series will be played at Gabba, Adelaide Oval, MCG and the SCG respectively starting Dec. 3, Cricket Australia (CA) had said recently.

“For outdoor venues up to 40,000 spectator capacity, ticketed and seated events will be able to be held in front of a crowd of no more than 25 per cent of capacity under Step 3,” a statement from the Prime Minister said as per on the official website, pm.gov.au.

“For outdoor venues of more than 40,000 spectator capacity, further advice is being sought from the AHPPC, with arrangements to be settled by the states and territories on a venue by venue basis,” it added.

The announcement was made following a meeting of the National Cabinet, which comprises the Prime Minister and state and territory leaders.

Morrison was joined by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Brendan Murphy who said that Australia’s response to COVID-19 was in a “good place”.

CA had also said they would keep open the possibility of hosting all four Tests involving India in one or two venues if the COVID-19 pandemic forces them to do so. As far as the T20 World Cup in Australia is concerned, slated to take place Down Under from Oct. 18 to Nov. 15, the ICC in its board meeting on Wednesday decided to ‘wait and watch’ before deciding on the fate of the showpiece event. Australia pacer Kane Richardson has also backed the international body for taking time to make the decision.

Agencies