The Indian think tank has its task cut out in the coming weeks. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
MUMBAI: The chronological sequence of India’s cricket schedule starting March this year first got disturbed when Covid-19 took a toll on the one-day series against South Africa at home, followed by the postponement of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Going forward, the relentless spread of the virus and the enduring lockdown has further ensured that the remainder of whatever cricket India plays at home and abroad between now and the IPL next year will also undergo its fair share of alteration.
To begin with is the national camp that the BCCI was planning for all centrally contracted cricketers, scheduled to begin mid-July. With lockdown continuing in most parts of the country, flight travels still in disarray and hospitality a major concern, the BCCI has been rendered “helpless” so far, with no choice but to delay plans.
“Please remember, without the central government and respective state government approvals, the BCCI cannot do anything,” say those tracking developments.
The cricketing ecosystem, nevertheless, “expects things to change by the first week of August”, should Covid