Cricket West Indies does not anticipate this year’s home tours being hit by player withdrawals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contending the decision by ten first team players to opt out of the upcoming Bangladesh series was based on “unusual circumstances”.
Describing as “temporary” the current policy where players were allowed to decline selection in light of the potential risks posed by the coronavirus, CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said he expected that after the Bangladesh tour selectors to have the full slate of players to choose from.
West Indies are scheduled to host tours by Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and Pakistan following the Regional Super50 Cup in February.
“We all have to accept that we’re all operating, working, living in very different times, under very different circumstances,” Grave said.
“We made it very clear to the public, the fans and players that during this unprecedented time, playing in these unusual circumstances, that we would give the players the opportunity, if they didn’t feel safe, didn’t want to leave their families or they had reservations, that we would support their decision not to tour. (CMC)
Subscribe now to our eNATION edition for the full story.
For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOS and Android.
