This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
On May 25, 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued new guidelines for the sport's post-coronavirus period, prioritizing social distancing and safety protocols.
The guidelines, which cover international, domestic, and community cricket, require players and umpires to maintain social distancing norms both on and off the field.
According to the ICC, social distancing should be observed even during training sessions, where players must maintain a 1.5-meter distance from each other, or as recommended by the local government.
Players have also been advised to arrive at training sessions in their cricket gear and to use changing rooms sparingly.
Top Kenyan umpire David Pamba welcomed the move, stating, "I fully support the move. The virus is very dangerous and has stopped the sport, and various sports disciplines in many different Countries."
He added, "We have to mitigate ways to live with the virus, as at the moment, we are still finding out the solutions to tackle the virus. The German Bundesliga has started while our sport is still halted by the Pandemic we should look for away for game to move on."
The ICC has also discouraged celebrations with body contact, as well as sharing drinks, towels, and equipment, citing the risk of transmission.
Additionally, players will no longer be required to hand over personal items to umpires, and umpires are advised to consider wearing gloves when handling the ball.
The ICC emphasized that these guidelines must work in synergy with government directives in individual countries on the resumption of the sport.
