India's tour of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe gets called off
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Friday, announced Team India will not travel to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, owing to COVID-19 pandemic. As per the original schedule, India were due to tour Sri Lanka (three ODIs and as many T20Is) and Zimbabwe (three ODIs) in June and August respectively. Here is more on the same.
Previous reports suggested that BCCI is planning to commence a training camp for contracted cricketers in June. However, there is no certainty on the camp due to rising number of cases in the country. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah asserted the board will take necessary steps towards the resumption of international and domestic cricket, but will not rush into the decision.
"The Office-Bearers have been taking note of advisories issued by the Government of India and the Board is committed to fully comply with the restrictions imposed and guidelines issued. The BCCI will continue to study and evaluate the changing situation," a statement read.
Previously, a Sri Lanka Cricket media release revealed that BCCI has postponed the original tour at present. It added the cricket board is still hopeful for conducting the series in August, this year. "BCCI remains committed to the FTP and towards its fellow members, it will have to seek the advice from Government of India," read the release.
Sri Lanka have cordoned off the community transmission of coronavirus, with only 716 active cases as of now. Notably, the nation has reported only 11 COVID-19 deaths so far. Earlier this month, several SL cricketers returned to training in Colombo. Sri Lanka were supposed to host Bangladesh for a three-Test series in July, however, the BCB is yet to give an official word.
