With the surge in the coronavirus cases in Australia’s state victoria, it was reported that Cricket Australia (CA) is mulling to change the traditional venue, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), for the Boxing Day Test match against India in December. But CA interim chief executive Nick Hockley said on Saturday proclaimed that MCG would not lose hosting rights if crowds are allowed inside the stadium.
The iconic ground has for many years hosted the important Test match of Australia’s history. But the coronavirus outbreak had marred all the usual plans. As per reports, it was being stated that Adelaide could be the option to host the Boxing day Test match.
But the Cricket Australia wants to host the significant Test match traditionally with no changes. Hockley said that CA was full steam ahead with the planning.
“It comes down to if we can get a crowd at the MCG we’ll play at the MCG,” Hockley was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“All the restrictions that are ongoing, we are just hopeful that they take very quick effect and we get back on top of the situation and people can get out and about, we can get back to crowds and get back to live events.”
“It’s one of the most iconic events on the Australian sporting calendar. Certainly at this stage we are planning full steam ahead.”
Cricket Australia in talks with BCCI:
Further, Hockley said that they are in constant touch with the BCCI about who things would go on stage. With travel restriction being still implemented, Cricket Australia is talking with its government to exempt travel ban for India.
“We’re in really constructive discussions with the BCCI (the Indian cricket board) and the government to make sure we get all the travel exemptions for India to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, earlier this year in March, Melbourne Cricket Ground hosted the grand finale of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 where record-breaking 86,174 fans came to watch.