How to play Cricket safely during Corona times

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world in a surreal way, majority of us have been locked down at home staying away from all outdoor activities especially team oriented sports like Cricket. Only a passionate cricketer who has been accustomed to play day in, day out would know the true pain of staying away from the sport for a long duration.

But now as we have come to a realization that we need to live in a world co-existing with the virus, people have slowly started coming out for essential activities but are still far away from freely coming out and playing their favorite sport. But if you are in a risk free area and craving to play a game of cricket, you can take some precautions and play, cause during these times sport is a great exercise for your mind and body and will also boost your immunity.

Face mask is not mandatory for players as there have been reports of suffocation while running; so as long as you are playing on the pitch, you can keep the masks away. Multiple sanitizers should be arranged at the boundary ropes so that players can sanitize while entering/exiting the ground. Temperature checks should be performed for all the players, umpires and staff entering the ground and anyone with suspicious health conditions should be restricted to participate.

Umpires who are the frequent contact point for the players should always step in with masks and gloves. They should also sanitize the ball with a cloth and sanitizer after every over and only they should be setting up the bails and stumps during run outs, stumpings, etc. The substitutes stepping in with drinks during breaks should also be covered in masks and gloves. Once the match is completed, player rooms should be thoroughly sanitized before the next game.

Your health is more important the game, take all precautions and then only step in to the ring and once you are in, cricket should be the only thing in your mind. Stay safe and play safe.