Coronavirus outbreak: Bangladesh unlikely to tour Sri Lanka in July
Bangladesh are unlikely to tour Sri Lanka for their scheduled three-match Test series in July after senior players expressed reservations against travelling. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials conducted a meeting with marquee players via a teleconference. Reportedly, the players do not want to travel in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. Here is more on the same.
Senior cricketers against the idea of travelling
"How can we go to SL in the present context? If we sustain the virus, will it be possible to return back to our country? Suppose our family members have a similar case, can we play cricket, keeping everything aside?'' a senior cricketer told Cricbuzz.
The players did not show any interest: Akram Khan
BCB cricket operation chairman Akram Khan said the possibility of conducting the series as per original schedule is low. "Yes we had spoken with some of the players and they did not show any interest [to tour during that point of time]," Khan stated. "I think chances are very slim about the Sri Lanka tour commencing on scheduled time frame."
Bangladesh are supposed to tour Sri Lanka in July
Bangladesh are originally scheduled to tour Sri Lanka in mid July for a three-match Test series. The three Tests to be played in Colombo, Galle and Kandy are all part of ICC Test Championship. As per reports, the Sri Lanka cricket board is trying to get the BCB on board for rescheduling the series at a later date.
BCB had allowed players to train individually
Earlier this month, Sri Lankan players resumed training under strict guidelines after the cricket board gave a go-ahead. England, West Indies and Afghanistan are the other nations to have resumed player training. However, the Bangladesh cricketers are yet to make a return. Although the BCB has now decided to let the cricketers train individually, it remains to be seen if players follow the protocol.
Akram believes players can't go without preparation
"We cannot go there without proper preparation. Players are out of cricket for long time so after returning to cricket they will at least need 40 days training comprised with one month skill training following a 10 days fitness camp," Akram concluded.
