ECB's idea of bio-secure venues is a bit unrealistic: Rahul Dravid

Former India and RCB skipper, Rahul Dravid who is also the head of Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) apex academy National Cricket Academy (NCA), has some concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) idea of having bio-secure zones to restart cricketing activities. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 47-year-old thinks that the idea of bio-secure zones is "a bit unrealistic" in the long run.

According to reports, the ECB will be asking its players to assemble at the Ageas Bowl on June 23 and to stay away from their families for nine weeks until the end of the third Test against Pakistan. The series is scheduled to start from August 20. Meanwhile, the BCCI is willing to wait for Government of India’s advisory before announcing the restart of activities.

In a webinar conducted in support of YUVA, a non-profit organization's relief and recovery efforts amid the pandemic, Rahul Dravid said, "It is a bit unrealistic to have things at the level the ECB is talking about. Obviously, the ECB is very keen to conduct these series because they have had no other cricket and it is right in the middle of the season.”

“Even if they are potentially able to create a bubble and manage it in that way, I think it will be impossible for everyone to do it with the kind of calendar that we have, with the travelling that you do on tours and the number of people involved,” he added.

Rahul Dravid also raised some important questions regarding the bio-bubble: “In case of the bio-bubble, you do all the testing, the quarantine and then on day two of the Test match, what if one player tests positive? What happens then? The rules, as they stand now, will see the Public Health Department coming in and putting everyone in quarantine.”

“We're going to have to work with the Health Department and Government authorities to find out a way in which even if a player tests positive, the whole tournament isn't cancelled," the Wall of Cricket added.

There is no better feeling than performing in front of a large crowd but, we got to adjust ourselves to the new normal reckons Rahul Dravid.

"Players love to perform in front of a crowd, engage with their fans and that adds incredible complexity to a sport. I think that's what a player will definitely miss. There is a personal self-satisfaction when you perform in front of a large crowd." 

"We find ourselves in a situation where a lot of things are beyond our control. However, as responsible citizens, we can control our attitude and follow the government guidelines of wearing a mask, social distancing and so on,” he said.  

The NCA Director signed off by saying: “As a sportsman, we are used to dealing with a lot of uncertainty during our careers. Everything doesn't fall into place. You tend to get scared and worried about stuff but I think one of the things that I would have done is think about things I can control. 

"All you can control is your preparation, practice, emotional and mental well-being. You cannot control your results or performances. Coming back after this for active players... maybe it would take a bit of time to catch up to their original skill level. But that won't take long. It is just like riding a bicycle."