No celebrations, no saliva on ball: Fresh cricket guidelines post COVID-19

Mumbai: Lately, International Cricket Council (ICC) has come up with set of guidelines to be followed while resuming the cricket. The significant changes might change the face of the game completely, in times to come. Take a look how

Since the time corona pandemic has played havoc on the world, all the sports activities have come to a standstill. Cricket is no different in this regard and that’s why all the scheduled events couldn’t see light of the day. All have been have been postponed indefinitely as of now. The much awaited event, Indian Premier League was on cards when the nationwide lockdown was announced and no confirmed details regarding its resumption are out yet.

No Celebrations involving body contact

The concerned bodies have recently been talking about resumption of the cricket, with utmost precautions. Still, one can’t be sure about how game will look post all these amendments. ICC has come up with the set of guidelines that will be followed after resumption of the game. They stand for international, domestic, and community matches.

“Players and umpires should maintain social distancing on the cricket field, and that includes no handing over of player items (cap, towels, sunglasses, jumpers) to the umpire or teammates ,” the ICC said. ICC further stated any celebrations that involve body contact “could pose a risk” and hence should be “strongly discouraged”.

Now in the light of above statement, players will be held responsible for their essentials which were easily handed over to others earlier. Also, those impassioned hugs, and hi5s that formed the indispensable part of the celebration especially after wicket and victories, will be a rare sight for quite some time.

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No Saliva on Ball

ICC has come up with another significant change in the game. No artificial substance or saliva, use sweat to shine the ball – ICC. The ban comes after the recommendations of medical experts as saliva acts as an easy carrier of the virus. This decision puts bowlers on the back foot as saliva assisted them to produce reverse swing.

"I was not much of a hugger anyway and not a high-five person as well, so that doesn't trouble me a lot. The only thing that interests me is the saliva bit," said star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, in a chat with Ian Bishop and Shaun Pollock on ICC's video series ''Inside Out''. "I don't know what guidelines we'll have to follow when we come back, but I feel there should be an alternative," he further stated.

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Authorities have also laid down social distancing norms for players while being in dressing room, safe ball management and much more. Since match officials remain in proximity with players, ones with chronic ailment might not be allowed on field. If in a worst case scenario, a player contracts the virus, the whole lot will undergo quarantine.