T20 World Cup COVID-19 rules relaxed, players who test positive to be allowed to play

In what appears to be an unprecedented decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed to permit COVID-19-positive players to compete in the T20 World Cup 2022 tournament. The decision was made on the basis of the discretion of the team's doctor, who will, in turn, evaluate the fitness of the players.

In case a player is deemed unfit to continue in the tournament, a side will be given permission to replace him. A similar situation was seen at the 2022 Commonwealth Games earlier this year when Tahila McGrath was permitted to play for the Australian women's side despite testing positive for the virus.

COVID-19 no bar at T20 World Cup?

Earlier yesterday, a report from Cricket Australia had been doing rounds stating about the ICC's relaxation of the COVID-19 protocols significantly in comparison to last year. During the last edition of the T20 World Cup in UAE, teams were strictly required to remain in their bio-bubbles for the duration of the entire tournament. Besides, there will also be no mandatory testing required of the players ahead of each game.

Pat Cummins comments on rule changes

Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins explained how the team dynamics have completely changed on this occasion as compared to the previous years because of ICC's rule changes. While speaking to reporters on Sunday, the 29-year-old said, "It's a totally different dynamic."

Speaking of how things have changed, Cummins added, "The team went out for dinner last night and we actually were chatting about it, (saying) 'this is the first time we've done this for about three years. It's great fun. It's one of the main things we all love about playing for your country – you get to go and see new places and experience different things."

Australia will begin their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign with a blockbuster game against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand on October 22. The game will take place at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.