Former India batsman VVS Laxman said that although the decision was hard to call off the ODI series between India and South Africa, it was definitely a right call due to the outbreak of the COVID-19. After the first ODI in Dharamsala was abandoned due to rain, BCCI cancelled both the remaining games of the series.
“The postponement of the remaining two One-Day Internationals between India and South Africa was inevitable, given the circumstances. The coronavirus pandemic is gradually bringing life to a standstill across the world, and as is unfortunately normally the case, it is tragedies such as these that put life in perspective,” VVS Laxman wrote in Saturday’s column for Times of India.
“After initially announcing that the Lucknow and Kolkata matches would be played behind closed doors, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Cricket South Africa acted in the best interest of all stakeholders of our great game and announced the rescheduling of the two matches left after Thursday’s first ODI in Dharamsala was washed out without a ball being bowled,” he further added.
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, multiple series got cancelled and also postponed for the time being which included the Indian Premier League also as it has been pushed back by a fortnight. The 2020 IPL will begin from April 15 as per the BCCI decided now.
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“The latest edition of the Indian Premier League, originally scheduled to start on March 29, has also been pushed back to April 15. These developments are in tune with the rejigging or cancellation of a majority of high-profile sporting events globally. The safety and good health of people has to be paramount, and it’s commendable to see the international sporting community coming together to take the right steps in times of great challenges for all of us,” he said.
“As far as Indian cricket is concerned, the biggest and most committed stakeholders are the fans who have stood behind the sport and the national team through thick and thin. Without intending to trigger panic, it is my sincere appeal to all of them to follow necessary precautions and stay safe as we make all attempts possible to ward off the progress of the virus,” VVS Laxman shared.
alongside the India-South Africa series, England’s tour of Sri Lanka was called off too. Even the remaining two ODIs and T20Is of the Chappell-Hadlee series featuring Australia and New Zealand have also been called off for the time being.
“The pursuit of sporting excellence is a wonderful endeavour, but at the end of the day, there is no substitute for good health and for collective cheer. In this trying period, let us all look out for each other and contribute our mite to ensure that we come out of this situation stronger and better as human beings,” VVS Laxman, who played 134 Tests for India, said.
“After all, adversity tests our character like nothing else. I join the citizens of our country thanking our government for being proactive and moving swiftly to ensure that there is no spread of panic. Like the government, the BCCI has also taken decisive steps in this difficult time. Having said that, it is our responsibility to do everything in our control to make sure we keep ourselves secure and healthy,” he concluded.
