India's tour to Australia a lesser logistical challenge than T20 World Cup: BCCI treasurer

It is premature to talk about resumption of cricket but India's tour of Australia later this year is likely to go ahead, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said on Friday, downplaying logistical issues likely to arise because of COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure that high-profile tour, starting in October, goes on as scheduled, Dhumal said quarantining of Indian players upon ir arrival is a possibility even though it is t feasible before every overseas assignment. "You can't be sure of situation prevailing at that point of time. As of w Australia tour is on because body has called off that tour and same for T20 World Cup," Dhumal told PTI. " need for quarantine ahead of Australia tour only arises if preceding T20 World Cup doesn't take place. If World Cup happens, n players would have already completed ir quarantine."

'India's Australia tour lesser logistical challenge'

Dhumal said isolation before start of tour can only be a one-off.

"If quarantine becomes a rm before every tour n it would be difficult to organise games," he said.

Dhumal n went on to list bigger logistical challenge that awaits Australia -- T20 World Cup in October-vember.

"...would it be possible for Australia to have so many teams (16) coming in and quarantining for two weeks? Players will be out of cricket for so long and furr two weeks of quarantine and n straightaway to go into T20 World Cup. Who would be interested? So re is clarity. 

"Once situation improves and lockdown ends, n we will see keeping safety and health of our players in mind as that is paramount," said Dhumal.

India are scheduled to play four Tests Down Under with Cricket Australia considering an additional one. Dhumal said five-Test series idea was discussed  before lockdown but Cricket Australia could w change its mind considering severe financial impact COVID-19 has had on board.  If India tour doesn't take place, Cricket Australia could lose as much as 300 million Australian dollars.  " India-Australia tour is more likely to happen because it is furr away and logistically it easier to organise. We will have to see what government guidelines are at that point (both India and Australian government).  "How will team travel? re is clarity on international travel and if we can get an exemption. We dont' kw as of w. picture is ho hazy that we can't decide anything," said Dhumal. On Cricket Australia's idea of an additional Test, Dhumal said:"As far as fifth Test goes, that discussion happened before lockdown. When cricket resumes, (we will see) wher any country would like to host an additional Test or have two T20s instead, which is likely to generate more revenues.  "re is a possibility that request comes from Cricket Australia only."

Former Pakistan cricketers, including Shoaib Akhtar and Saqlain Mushtaq, have called for resumption of Indo-Pak cricket as world deals with outbreak. Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has also proposed an Indo-Pak Test series later in year. 

Dhumal rejected all such talk.

"People are talking about unthinkable things right w...y can think whatever y want to but it is for board to decide.

"In an ideal situation, we would want to take Test cricket to a different level but given situation, we are t even sure when T20s and ODIs can take place next," he said. 

Dhumal said if IPL doesn't take place, board will take a hit of Rs 4000 crore. "If IPL doesn't take place revenue loss will be Rs 4000 crore. In case, we lose home season also, that will also be a substantial amount. BCCI is also facing huge losses. If IPL doesn't happen n we will be in a very big problem," said Dhumal. If T20 World Cup doesn't take place in October-vember, staging IPL is a possibility in that window.  "If situation improves by that time (September-October), we also have think about T20 WC and Asia Cup and accordingly take a call. For a full-fledged IPL to happen, you have to have at least 45-50 days. Wher we get window, it is still a question mark." 

Im credits: PTI