England all-rounder Ben Stokes has voiced his opinion on cricket becoming a “TV sport” until the CoronaVirus Pandemic lasts. Stokes shared his view on whether the England vs West Indies series should be played in empty stadiums. The world’s premier all-rounder also adds that the element of competitiveness won’t be lost in closed-door matches.
Speaking with BBC Radio 5 Live, Stokes said, “I don’t think so. Think about it, we are walking out to represent our country, three lions on our chest and there is a game that we are supposed to win. So whether it is in front of nobody or like we are used to in front of a full crowd, I don’t think it’s going to take that competitive side away.”
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The World Cup winners said that it will take some time for cricketers to adjust to the new scenario as they are used to playing in jam-packed stadiums. “Yeah, completely different scenario to get our heads around that there isn’t going to be the atmosphere or cheering when we play international games,” the 28-year-old said.
Stokes also feels bringing cricket back on the TV is extremely important for the fans. He says bringing Cricket back on the screens is the best option for the time being. “We would do anything to get cricket back on TVs, and people, who follow and watch. If that means playing in-front of nobody then so be it,” he said.
Speaking about safety being the utmost priority for the fans, Stokes said, “We are still not a hundred percent sure when that’s going to happen. Everybody’s concern at the moment is safe and well being of everybody.”
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England’s World Cup hero signed off with, “Players and ECB are not going to push anything until everybody is satisfied. Without being having to worry about whether people are going to be exposed or put in danger to anything. At the end of the day, cricket is just a sport. Its the safety, health, and wellbeing of everybody involved. Not just in the team but around the cricket community is important right now.”
