Coronavirus outbreak: India's Australia tour under doubt with travel restrictions
The Australian government's travel restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) may severely impact India's international calendar. India are scheduled to tour down under in the later half the year. While the Indian Premier League faces suspension scare, a cloud of uncertainty is also surfacing around the impending T20 World Cup. The mega ICC event is scheduled to start on October 18.
Australian government imposed an indefinite travel ban
Australia have already reported 16 deaths with over 3,000 active cases of COVID-19. The government earlier sealed the Australian borders, except for citizens, permanent residents and their close family members. Furthermore, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated that the travel imposed on the citizens is "indefinite" presently. The coronavirus outburst also led to lockdown in quite a few nations including India.
India will likely tour Australia in October
India are scheduled to tour Australia for a T20I tri-series including England ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. Hosts Australia and India will then square off in a four-match Test series (in December), following the mega tournament. However, the Sourav Ganugly-led BCCI will have to look for the alternatives if the coronavirus pandemic extends the ban in Australia.
The outburst may postpone a number of Test series
The IPL 2020 looks uncertain at the moment, having been deferred from March 29 to April 15. Meanwhile, ICC Test Championship could also face the wrath as there are a number of bilateral series scheduled between June and August. "The frustrating aspect is that you can't even decide anything as the situation varies from country to country," the official added.
The uncertainty comes up with a logistical challenge
A BCCI official opened up on the fate of upcoming series across the globe. "The processing of visa, tickets, everything becomes a logistical challenge. Also not only Australia, England is supposed to tour India in September for their white ball leg," he said. He added, Will things be normal in the UK and players allowed to travel? These are big questions?"
