Saliva ban, chartered flights advised for travel, etc: Here's ICC's new guidelines for resumption of cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently released guidelines for the safe resumption of cricket after its abrupt pause due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The "ICC Back to Cricket Guidelines" is a comprehensive document developed by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee in consultation with Member Medical Representatives, and provides guidance for the safe resumption of community cricket, domestic professional cricket and international cricket.

The 16-page document developed by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee in consultation with member Medical Representatives provides total guidance over the safe resumption of community cricket, domestic professional cricket and international cricket.

HERE IS THE LIST OF GUIDELINES NEEDED TO BE FOLLOWED:

As per ICC's newly released safety guidelines to resume domestic cricket, members need to comply with biosafety measures instituted by their government and public health authorities.

However, for international cricket countries may also implement extra biosafety requirements over and above the national and local government requirements and restrictions.

For the professional game, it's gonna be important for ICC Members to consider any employment aspects including issues around the duty of care.

To resume training for the international cricket the ICC has said, "Consider appointing a Chief Medical Officer and/or Biosafety Official who will be responsible for implementing government regulations and the biosafety plan to resume training and competition."

Sanitisation of personal equipment, before and after use, and practice of social distancing is also part of the guidelines.

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. Consider adopting a process that will assist the bowler in managing his/her items. Umpires may also be encouraged to use gloves when handling the ball.

Regular hand sanitising when in contact with the ball, prohibition on the use of saliva and not touching eyes, nose, mouth after contact with the ball are the measures for 'safe management of the ball'.

ICC mentioned while travelling - consider chartered flights and seat spacing to ensure social distancing. For transport - consider regular and adequate cleaning, seat spacing, use of PPE and distance (time and space) between the arrival of teams at match venues. For accommodation - consider dedicated hotel floor, single rooms, food quality and hygiene.

International teams should strongly consider travelling with a medical doctor. Travelling teams should ensure necessary arrangements are in place to support a team member should they test positive while on tour.

The international cricket has been suspended for more than two months due to the global surge in the COVID-19 positive cases. Many tournaments and series have been affected due to the deadly virus.

The restart of cricket requires planning to assess and manage the risk of infection. The cricket playing nations were asked to follow their government's restrictions and advice, specifically those related to gatherings, travel, social distancing, and sporting competition for a safe return to cricket.

(WITH ANI INPUTS)