Aaron Finch, Australia’s limited-overs skipper, believes that a lot of compromises will be needed if the game is to thrive post-COVID-19 era. Finch feels that every cricket board and the ICC will need to support each other during this tumultuous time to bring back the game on track. The cricket boards across the globe have already suffered huge monetary losses due to the virus.
Thus, it is imperative for cricket boards to support each other to bring back the game at its best. There is no doubt that there will be less action once cricket makes a return and it would be crucial to manage with success. The authorities will need to make sure that the safety of the players and the support staff is of utmost importance and thus no risks are taken.
Cricket boards will need to support each other – Aaron Finch
“It will get to a point, not just for IPL but for all cricket, there’ll be a compromise from a lot of different stakeholders – organisations, countries, players, the ICC – to get cricket back and countries thriving again,” Finch said.
Meanwhile, a lot of things will be cleared after the ICC general board meeting where the governing body will discuss the Future Tour Programme which will be rejigged. Furthermore, the governing council is expected to take a call on the T20 World Cup, set to be played in Australia. As per the latest reports the World Cup will be replaced by the glamorous IPL.
However, if the IPL starts in October then it will collide with Australia’s domestic season of Sheffield Shield and One Day cup. Thirteen Australian players will ply on their trade in the IPL and big players like Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, and Steven Smith are expected to play in the lucrative Twenty20 league. If the IPL is called off, the BCCI will suffer a huge loss of INR 4000 crores.
Aaron Finch wants to get back into action.
“I think the ICC are meeting next week to start discussing the FTP [Future Tours Program] again. The next couple of weeks we’ll have more idea what that looks like, what compromises will be made for different tournaments and countries. Everyone working together to get the best result for everyone. Some situations where it’s not ideal for Australia we have to compromise and give. It will be one big effort, I think,” he added.
On the other hand, Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts has confirmed that there are 90% chances that India’s tour of Australia will go ahead. India is expected to play three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Test matches on the tour Down Under. If the tour is canceled, Cricket Australia will suffer a huge loss of A$300 million.
“With India coming out here this summer, Kevin [CA CEO Roberts] said it was a nine out of 10 [chance]. I think there will be a give and take in a lot of different things like that,” Finch noted.
It would be interesting to note how things will pan out but it is sure that it will not easy for any cricket board.