Shakib Al Hasan feels need for more clarity before resumption of cricket

Dhaka, May 24: Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan feels there is still a lot of clarity needed before players can get back on the field and play the gentleman's game. All cricket around the world has been suspended since March as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently put forward protocols that will have to be followed with respect to the potential start of cricketing action. Shakib, however, stated that there are a lot of questions that needs to be answered for the absolute safety of players and officials.

"Now we are hearing that it (Covid-19 virus) might spread around 12 feet, not just three or six. So does it mean the two batsmen can't meet at the end of the over?" Shakib told Dhaka-based Prothom Alo as per ESPNCricinfo.

"They will stand at their ends? Won't there be any crowd in the stadium? Will the wicketkeeper stand afar? What would happen to close-in fielders? These things require discussions."

"I don't think they (ICC) will take a chance before they are very sure. Whatever it is, life comes first. I am sure they will think of safety first," he added.

The ICC recently issued guidelines with respect to banning the use of saliva on the ball. This law has been put into place in the wake of the pandemic which spreads via droplets of the infected person.

"The ICC Cricket Committee heard from the Chair of the ICC Medical Advisory Committee Dr Peter Harcourt regarding the elevated risk of the transmission of the virus through saliva, and unanimously agreed to recommend that the use of saliva to polish the ball be prohibited," said the ICC in its statement.

"The committee also noted the medical advice that it is highly unlikely that the virus can be transmitted through sweat and saw no need to prohibit the use of sweat to polish the ball whilst recommending that enhanced hygiene measures are implemented on and around the playing field."