The outbreak of the pandemic coronavirus has shut all the cricketing actions with a complete lockdown in most parts of the world. And with no signs of improvement in the situation of COVID-19, India’s tour of Australia later this year is likely to get affected as well.
The Australian government’s decision to lockdown its border for the next six months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect India’s Futures Tours Programme (FTP), including the much-awaited clash Down Under later this year. India’s tour of Australia is slated to commence with a T20 tri-series in October and end with the Tests in December.
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Meanwhile, the ICC T20 World Cup is slated between with an October 18 start which is also in jeopardy. Australia have already witnessed 2000 positive cases with a death toll of 16 compelling the government to close the borders in a bid to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
“Right now it’s too early to say anything. It’s a potential six-month travel ban. If the situation is under control, it could be lifted early also,” a senior BCCI office-bearer, privy to the developments, told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
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It is likely to be a highly anticipated series after India registered their first series win in Australia during the 2018-19 tour. The home side was without their star player David Warner and Steve Smith due to ban for the ball-tampering scandal. However, with both of them back in the scheme of things, it will be an exciting duel to watch.
However, if the series gets called-off, the Board of Control for Cricket in India will have to look for alternative ways. The BCCI has already postponed the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League until April 15 which was slated to commence from March 29. Moreover, the virus is likely to take more toll on international calendars with Sri Lanka (ODIs and T20s), Zimbabwe, Asia Cup (T20) and home a white ball series against England lined up.