The BCCI will wait further before organizing a skill-based training camp for its contracted players

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the realm of the sporting fraternity to a standstill. With multiple countries exercising the lockdown methodology to curb down the effect of the virus, athletes are yearning to get back to their usual training regime and hit the ground running at the earliest. 

On Sunday evening, the central government announced the extension of the lockdown till 31st May. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs handed out a set of protocols that needs to be obeyed during the fourth stage of the lockdown period.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to their twitter handle to affirm their acceptance towards the new guidelines put forward by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

UPDATE?: Following the latest COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Ministry Of Home Affairs, the BCCI has issued a statement.

LINK?https://t.co/tvBvbv85jz pic.twitter.com/wV9QTEH8My

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 17, 2020

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken note of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday for containment of COVID-19 across the country." - The BCCI treasurer, Arun Dhumal was quoted as saying.

Arun Dhumal asserted that the board will have to wait before administering the various high-performance training programmes for its contracted players.

"Taking into the account the restrictions on air travel and movement of people till May 31, the BCCI will wait further before organizing a skill-based training camp for its contracted players." - Dhumal added.

With the coronavirus pandemic taking a full toll on the cricketing calendar, BCCI emphasised that the safety of the athletes and the support staff is a top priority at the moment.

"The Board reiterates that the safety and well-being of its athletes and support staff is paramount and will not rush into any decision that can hamper or jeopardize India’s efforts in containing the spread of the virus." - Dhumal said in a press release.

According to the guideline imposed in various states, BCCI will work in close liaison with state-wise cricket associations in order to formulate a blueprint for the skill-based training camps.

"In the meantime, the BCCI will study guidelines at the state level and will work in sync with State Cricket Associations to chalk out a programme for skill-based training at a local level. The BCCI Office-Bearers will continue their interactions with the team management and draw up a suitable plan for the entire team once the situation further improves." - The BCCI conveyed in a media statement.