India-West Indies series could be played in one or two venues due to COVID-19 threat
IND vs WI (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images
The COVID-19 has once again started to make its presence felt across the world. The new variant Omicron is spreading in countries like Australia, India, South Africa, and Pakistan. Cricketing matches have been postponed due to the same. Few Sheffield Shield matches and BBL matches have already been pushed due to COVID-19. India had also reported over one lakh positive cases on Thursday (January 6). It has caused panic among the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
India are due to host West Indies for the six white-ball games, starting February 6. It had also finalized six venues for the limited-overs series. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Kolkata were due to host the three-match ODI series, while Cuttack, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram, were shortlisted to host the T20Is. However, it is now pondering to host the entire series in one or two venues.
According to reports on Cricket.com, the BCCI are having discussions to cut down the number of venues and make subsequent bio-bubble arrangements. Earlier, the BCCI had also postponed the Ranji Trophy, Col C K Nayudu Trophy, and Senior Women’s T20 League for 2021-22 due to the COVID-19 threat. The Board does not want to take any risk and organizing matches in six venues might turn out to be a disaster.
“Things look bleak and we are positioned to hit the peak of this third wave in February. Organizing matches in six venues will add logistical nightmare,” a BCCI functionary told Cricket.com.
A state association official further stated that there is no official word from BCCI to host the matches in one or two venues. However, he has not denied the development as well. It is also to be noted that fans and stakeholders won’t be allowed in the stadiums to watch the matches.
