ICC issue new guidelines

The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 as global pandemic on March 11. The death toll of COVID-19 has crossed the 2,800,000 mark and confirmed cases globally have crossed 6,200,000 as per the reports. So that, the international cricket has been suspended for more than two months due to the global surge in the COVID-19 positive cases.The restart of cricket requires planning to manage the risk of infection. That's why, the International Cricket Council (ICC) recently released guidelines. The 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. 

According to ICC new guidelines, the domestic cricket members need to comply with biosafety measures instituted by their government and public health authorities. And for international cricket countries may also implement extra biosafety requirements over and above the national and local government requirements and restrictions.

To resume training for 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." Guidelines are:

1. 
   

   Sanitisation of personal equipment, before and after use, and practice of social distancing.

   
   


2. 
   

   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.

   
   


3. 
   

   Umpires may also be encouraged to use gloves when handling the ball.

   
   


4. 
   

   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 purpose.

   
   


5. 
   

   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 between the arrival of teams at match venues.

   
   


6. 
   

   For accommodation consider a dedicated hotel floor, single rooms, food quality and hygiene.

   
   


7. 
   

   International teams should strongly consider travelling with a medical doctor.

   
   


8. 
   

    Travelling teams should ensure necessary arrangements are in place to support a team member should they test positive while on tour.