Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has agreed with India’s decision to postpone it’s three-match One-Day International tour to the African country in August.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani told NewZimbabwe.com: “We were looking forward to hosting India, but with the world still in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic, the BCCI’s decision to put the tour on hold is understandable.
The tour could still be held at a later stage explained Mukuhlani: “Since the postponed series is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, we shall work with the BCCI to seek new dates for the tour when we are all in a position to plan for the future with greater certainty.”
ZC director of cricket Hamilton Masakadza said players and staff are ready to begin training again.
“Everything is in place for players to resume training, players training in smaller groups.
“We have had 40 people, the players and support staff tested for Covid-19.
“For now, they will be doing running and cardio work, that is physical training for the first few weeks then we move to the actual training.”
ZC, however, will be forced to proceed under the presumption competition will resume as scheduled.
ZC Media and Communications Officer, Darlington Majonga, was quoted as saying on allafrica.com: “In preparation for those potential tours, a squad of 33 players has been drafted and only those who get the all-clear after undergoing the Covid-19 tests will officially start training on Monday.
“The players will be split into small groups of not more than eight and they will practise in their respective provinces, starting with strength and conditioning sessions for the first three weeks before focusing on cricket-specific skills training.”
High on the agenda will be the sanitising of the field of play, training venues, changerooms, equipment and cricket balls.
Anyone entering a cricket venue will have their temperature checked, and if a fever is suspected immediate mandatory Covid-19 testing will be required.
All players and staff and ZC employees will be required to wear face masks and be supplied with sanitising products to maintain strict hygiene standards.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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