Andrew Symonds, former Australian cricketer believes the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Team India will eventually get their way on the venue for the fourth and final Test of the ongoing series as BCCI have more authority and are the most powerful cricket board globally.
Earlier, five Indian players, including vice-captain Rohit Sharma came under unwanted scrutiny from the Australian media for having dinner in a Melbourne restaurant. They were criticized for allegedly breaking the bio-secure bubble protocols and an investigation is on by CA and BCCI.
Andrew Symonds: BCCI Seem To Have A Fair Bit Of Power Over People
Following this incident, reports have emerged that the Indian team are reluctant to play the fourth Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, owing to strict quarantine restrictions, but the rumours were dismissed by CA’s interim CEO Nick Hockley. The Queensland government is also insisting on hard quarantine for the players arriving from Sydney, which has become a COVID-19 hotspot following a fresh outbreak in the outskirts of the city.
Talking to Fox Cricket, Andrew Symonds commented on the saga by saying that the BCCI have ‘power’ over the people in Australia.
“Have you ever had any dealings with the BCCI? They seem to have a fair bit of power over people. It comes down to probably what the Queensland government’s going to allow them to do … But I can’t see India not getting their way, to be honest with you.”
Andrew Symonds was an important member of two-time World Cup-winning squads. He is a right-handed, middle-order batsman and alternates between medium pace and off-spin bowling. He is also notable for his exceptional fielding skills.
On 16 February 2012, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after debuting in 1998 in ODIs, in an attempt to concentrate on his family life. He last played for Australia in ODI and T20I against Pakistan in 2009. The 45-year-old featured in 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is.
BCCI Maintains Players Have Abided By Protocols As Team Tested Negative
The BCCI has maintained all along after the incident that the Indian players have abided by the protocols. On Monday, the Indian contingent including 5 cricketers in question tested negative for COVID-19 as well, thereby vindicating their stance.
A member of the Queensland government also took a rigid stance on the issue of the protocols. The state’s Health Shadow Minister Ros Bates said the visitors shouldn’t travel to Brisbane if they can’t abide by the regulations.
“If the Indians don’t want to play by the rules, don’t come.”
The third and fourth Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy are slated to begin on 7th and 15th January respectively. The series is evenly balanced at 1-1 and the Sydney Cricket Ground is expected to witness another cracking contest from Thursday after which the 4th Test will take place at Brisbane.