The postponed 5th Test between England and India will be played at Edgbaston in July 2022 (post 399)

[ravisurya]

Such a sad end to a pretty good series. Ravi Shastri was positive before the last test and the match went ahead after the PCR tests of players returned negative so not really sure what’s different in this case. Yes a team needs a junior physio and ECB could have easily provided a decent one.

Yes if the players would have produced positive results like in the case of leagues and some other series than it would have made obvious sense. Though I think Indian team kept playing in Srl despite some players in Indian camp being positive.

If I am not wrong even initially BCCI wanted to move the series to an earlier date because of IPL but ECB denied the request as they were holding the hundred tournament. At that time there were also some news and rumours that BCCI wanted it to be a 4 match series after their request of schedule change was denied.

He tested Positive after the match started.

 

[mastimasti]

First 17 days of August are free. England can definitely do the 5th Test match in that window if India would also like to partake.

England currently have 6 tests booked for next summer, and a T20 series against India. They could theoretically replace the T20s with the final test.

 

[MenInG]

It's a great sadness that COVID has hit the Indian camp and my initial sympathies are with the supporters and spectators.

So many people will have booked holiday time to watch this Test and so many will have spent money on travel and hotels, as well as a high price for a ticket.

The ECB has its own insurance scheme so the cost of the ticket will be refunded but the extra cost is unlikely to be.

No-one wanted this outcome and it's likely that there will be knock-on ramifications for the county game and Lancashire in particular.

Lancashire had a really tough pandemic - Emirates Old Trafford is one of the big grounds that has lots of banqueting and conference facilities. All events were cancelled in the year of COVID and they were looking at this Test match almost as a way of rebalancing the books.

So it's going to be a costly cancellation for them and they don't have a Test match next year either - just a couple of international T20s.

We were all looking forward to this Test at the end of an outstanding series.

It's surprising, really, that we've got so much cricket away given the coronavirus pandemic.

Amazingly, the whole international summer went ahead last year without any cancellations and the ECB was deeply grateful to sides like West Indies, Pakistan, Australia and Ireland who came here under those circumstances.

This year, rates are still high despite the vaccinations and with the lack of lockdowns, it's remarkable that so much cricket has got away without interference.

The real issue in the room is the rescheduled IPL, which was abandoned back in April and rescheduled for mid-September.

It's due to start four days after this Test match so the players are concerned about their involvement in that.

The BCCI is no doubt concerned about that tournament, which I think is worth about £360m to them.

That issue has always been hanging over this Test and when Ravi Shastri went down with a positive test last week, that then infiltrated the second physio who has been treating the likes of Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja.

The fear is that with the incubation period, there will be more COVID cases in the camp.

So you certainly can have sympathy with players who are undergoing cricket under all manner of restrictions - bubbles and quarantines.

There will be a lot of negotiations going on now behind the scenes because the first ECB statement that was put out said that India had forfeited the game.

A forfeiture would mean a 2-2 series result; the ECB quickly back-tracked within about 10 minutes to another statement which removed the forfeiture line.

Instead, it will be down to the ICC match referee to determine the outcome.

From Dubai, where the ICC set some ground rules, if it's a COVID-related cancellation there is room for it not to be a forfeiture. They will work on this over the next two or three days but I don't think forfeiture will be the end result.

Hanging over all of this is the relationship between England and India, which from an England perspective is the most critical one in the game and therefore they will be treading carefully.

England would have loved the chance to get this series back to 2-2 but they are not going to get that opportunity now.

India have looked a stronger side this summer, truth be told, and they wanted to finish the series on a high because no India side has won three Test matches in England before.

They wanted to win in England and Australia in the same year. Given India's historic difficulties winning away from home, that would have shed a new light on this team and Virat Kohli's captaincy.

SKY

 

[James]

England currently have 6 tests booked for next summer, and a T20 series against India. They could theoretically replace the T20s with the final test.

6 Tests isn’t a lot for an English summer. A 7th would be fine and we often have 7 Tests in the season.

 

[MenInG]

The five-match Test series between India and England came to an abrupt end on Friday (September 10) after the fifth and final Test was called off due to the COVID-19 scare in the Indian team's camp. As many as four positive cases have been reported in the Indian contingent over the last few days leading to the cancellation of the fifth Test.

India's junior physio Yogesh Parmar was the latest one from the team's support staff to test positive after head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar. The fifth Test was called off hours before the scheduled start of the game at Old Trafford in Manchester with the England Cricket Board (ECB) confirming that the Indian team was unable to field a team due to rising COVID-19 cases in its camp.

Harrison hinted at mental fatigue caused by spending a significant amount of time in strict bio-bubbled coupled with the fears caused by the rise in COVID-19 cases in the Indian team's camp led to the cancellation of the fifth Test.

"It's been a long night. It's just really sad. You can't be flippant about issues of mental health, and this is what this is about. India have been wonderful tourists, but they have been here for a long time. Playing at this level, week after week, is difficult.," Harrison told the BBC.

The ECB CEO also rubbished the rumours of the Indian team deciding to forfeit the fifth Test match due to the second leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in UAE from September 19. Several reports had claimed that Indian players didn't want to take a risk by playing the fifth Test ahead of IPL 2021's second leg. However, Harrison asserted BCCI 100% wanted the Manchester Test to go on.

"Hopefully we can get this Test on some other time, but it won't be the same as it having the conclusion after four brilliant matches. The BCCI, this India team and their captain want to make their mark in Test cricket. I don't think the IPL should worry people who feel there is an agenda is at place here," said the ECB CEO.

"I was on the phone all night. Once those fears creep in they can be very hard to shift. There are no winners in this one. I can tell you that 100% the BCCI wanted to get this game on. There is a strong relationship between the ECB and BCCI. We will definitely come through this, probably even stronger than we went in," he added.

BCCI has already released a statement confirming that it is working with the England Cricket Board to conduct the now suspended fifth Test match at a later date.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...ci-100-wanted-manchester-test-to-go-on/810349

 

[shaz619]

India running away to the IPL, I expected such cowardice, a shame we will lose out on some Test Cricket due to their cheap behaviour

 

[MenInG]

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is expected to meet Harrison and Ian Whatmore to discuss the modalities of the one-off match next year during a personal visit to the UK from September 22. He will discuss the 40 million pounds loss that the ECB is facing which is not covered by insurance."The ECB stands to lose 40 million pounds with 30 million in broadcasts and 10 million in ticketing and hospitality," a source explained.

The Test match that BCCI has proposed to play in lieu of the cancelled fifth Test here would be a one-off game, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Tom Harrison said on Friday.

The fifth Test was cancelled after a COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian camp which made visiting players reluctant to play fearing a positive result might lead to 10-day isolation and scheduling nightmare of Indian Premier League.

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...rison-after-old-trafford-fallout-4189607.html

 

[Zaz]

As we have seen time and time again the BCCI is a board that just cant be trusted to fufill its contractual obligations It only looks out for itself and its own interests

The ecb must take some blame It itself got into bed with the devil

 

[Last Monetarist]

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/58520503

The cancellation of the fifth England-India Test is not linked to the rescheduled Indian Premier League, says England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison.

The game at Emirates Old Trafford was called off before the start on Friday after cases of Covid-19 among the India backroom team.

The IPL resumes on 19 September.

"This is not a situation which has been created by the rescheduled IPL," said Harrison.

"I fundamentally do not believe that for a second."

India head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive for Covid-19 during the fourth Test, forcing three other members of staff into isolation.

A further member of the support staff tested positive on Thursday, and the fifth Test was called off two hours before the scheduled 11:00 BST start.

The IPL, which was postponed in May amid a rise of coronavirus cases in India, will resume in the United Arab Emirates.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India made an informal request to the ECB in May about altering the schedule of the England-India series to help arrangements for the IPL.

"It's all about the IPL money," former England captain Michael Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.

"Players will be petrified of picking up the virus and having to miss IPL games."

Harrison said linking the cancellation of the final Test with the resumption of the IPL is "unfair".

"That is is not the case," Harrison told BBC Sport. "This Indian cricket team are as passionate about Test cricket as fans in our country are, and as our cricket team are as well.

"India simply felt that they got to a point where they weren't able to take to the field. That is understandable.

"As administrators, we need to be really clear that mental health has to be a priority for us when we're thinking about the length of tours and the conditions under which people were expected to perform."

India were 2-1 ahead in the series, the outcome of which is now unclear.

England, who lost a two-Test series 1-0 to New Zealand in June, have not lost a home Test series to India since 2007.

"There is real disappointment because we wanted to have a crack at this Indian team," said Harrison.

"Players put an awful lot of work into preparing themselves mentally and physically to be ready, and we were ready.

"It will take a little bit of from them to come back down from that emotional let-down."

 

[Saj]

Reports saying this Test was ultimately cancelled because of the concerns that the restart of the Indian Premier League next weekend might be affected by a Covid outbreak in the touring party.

Even after the team’s latest round of Covid tests all came back negative on Thursday evening, a group of four senior India players delivered a letter to the BCCI at midnight informing them the team would not play the Test.

 

[Babar_the_Destroyer]

As we have seen time and time again the BCCI is a board that just cant be trusted to fufill its contractual obligations It only looks out for itself and its own interests

The ecb must take some blame It itself got into bed with the devil

Apparently ecb chief executive tom harrison too was present at book launch event according to piers morgan,the ecb themselves cancelled sa tour,india played all tests except this one they requested this test to be played as first ,but ecb refused as they priortised the 100 tournament,even the hotels in which team india was staying didnt had a secured bio bubble

 

[Babar_the_Destroyer]

Reports saying this Test was ultimately cancelled because of the concerns that the restart of the Indian Premier League next weekend might be affected by a Covid outbreak in the touring party.

Even after the team’s latest round of Covid tests all came back negative on Thursday evening, a group of four senior India players delivered a letter to the BCCI at midnight informing them the team would not play the Test.

Coz it usually takes time for covid symptoms to show ,usually in 4-5 days ,what happens when some players show sign of covid during matches ,suppose both teams get affected what happens then.

 

[MenInG]

Apparently ecb chief executive tom harrison too was present at book launch event according to piers morgan,the ecb themselves cancelled sa tour,india played all tests except this one they requested this test to be played as first ,but ecb refused as they priortised the 100 tournament,even the hotels in which team india was staying didnt had a secured bio bubble

ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison attended the London launch for Ravi Shastri’s new book that took place a few days before the India Head Coach tested positive for Covid-19, triggering a sequence of events that led to the cancellation of the final Test at Old Trafford.

Shastri held a launch for his new book Stargazing: The Players In My Life on Tuesday August 31, two days before the Fourth Test between his India team and England at the Kia Oval.

Towards the end of that Test, it emerged that Shastri had tested positive for Covid-19, along with two other members of India’s backroom team.

Yesterday, on the eve of the final Test at Old Trafford, a fourth tested positive. India’s players – despite all testing negative twice – were unhappy to complete the series “due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp”, according to an ECB statement.

The cancellation was confirmed just over two hours before the match was due to begin, angering many fans – who had travelled to the ground, as well as shelling out for accommodation – and leaving a £40m hole in the ECB’s finances. What happens next is unclear, but India’s offer to reschedule has been well received by the ECB, even though Harrison admitted today that there is already too much cricket.

Covid regulations were said to be thin on the ground at the book launch in Victoria, which was attended by around 150 people, including members of India’s squad.

The Daily Mail – who made it public first – quoted a guest as saying: “It was horrid. No one wore masks, apart from waiting staff. It left me feeling very uncomfortable. Everyone there went over to Shastri to meet him”.

Standard Sport can reveal that Harrison, the ECB Chief Executive, also attended the event.

It is understood that he received an invitation from Shastri and the Board of Control for Cricket in India and wore a mask throughout, except when consuming food and drink. He had not seen the guest list and expected a Covid-safe event, in line with the safer living guidelines that were laid out for both teams by the ECB this summer.

News of the event has angered many staff at the ECB, who believe that it was not sanctioned by those on the ground organising the tour’s logistics, including Covid-19 guidelines. England’s players feel that they have observed the rules more closely than India this summer. There have even been rumours that India players were out and about in Manchester on Thursday as they awaited the results of their PCR tests that were said to determine the fate of the Test.

When asked about the book launch on Friday, Harrison opted not to condemn it.

“The position we have had is for people to make decisions on what they think they are able to do or not,” he said. “It’s not for ECB to say, in the context of trying to let people live more freely, we’re not influencing how they live their lives in the constraints of those living standards. That’s not how we operate.”

This comes at an awkward time for Harrison. Last month it was revealed by the Guardian that he and other senior figures at the ECB would share £2.1m Long-Term Incentive payments next year, despite the board having to make 62 redundancies. That angered staff, while relations with England men’s players – weary of the demands placed on them by playing in the pandemic – are tense over this winter’s tour of Australia for the Ashes.

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cr...=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1631288822

 

[pakistani pride]

This is so so so pathetic. I mean where to start?!

We now have a world where healty people cannot do what they are supposed to do because of a positive test?

I really wonder where this nonsense is going to end. If it ever will.

 

[U$ofA]

Reports saying this Test was ultimately cancelled because of the concerns that the restart of the Indian Premier League next weekend might be affected by a Covid outbreak in the touring party.

Even after the team’s latest round of Covid tests all came back negative on Thursday evening, a group of four senior India players delivered a letter to the BCCI at midnight informing them the team would not play the Test.

Cancelling test matches to play T20 seems to be becoming more common.

 

[ChennaiFan]

https://www.firstpost.com/firstcric...ending-crowded-book-launch-event-9953191.html

"The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has reportedly expressed its displeasure towards India head coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli as the duo, along with other members of the touring team, attended a crowded book launch event in London last week.

Shastri, who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, shared the stage with Kohli at the event on Tuesday last week, and as per BCCI sources, no prior permission was sought by the Indian team for attending the event."

I think BCCI should terminate Shastri's contract and remove Kholi from the captaincy for such irresponsible actions.

 

[Saj]

ENGLAND are claiming India played fast and loose with Covid rules the day before the Fifth Test match was cancelled.

Furious England say members of India’s squad were spotted out and about in Manchester on Thursday, when they were meant to be at their hotel.

England insist a couple of Indian players were spotted in a well-known department store in Manchester on Thursday, while another attended a photoshoot. At least one backroom staff member was also seen in the city.

 

[MenInG]

ECB CEO Tom Harrison expresses his disappointment at the need to cancel the fifth LV= Insurance Test between England Men and India.

A huge amount has happened over the last 24 hours, and from one cricket lover to another I want to say how sorry I am for all the inconvenience caused by the cancellation of this Test match.

"We were all looking forward to what promised to be the culmination of this brilliant Test Series, and I’m so disappointed at not being able to get the match played.

"I have heard many stories today of people who planned for months or saved hard during this pandemic to have a special day out with friends and family. To not see that happen is hard to take.

"Today’s news will have been so frustrating, especially given the short notice. Please know that we worked through the night to find solutions and avoid this outcome.

"Refunds to ticket holders will be issued shortly, and although this will be no consolation to many, we will try to reschedule this long-awaited Emirates Old Trafford Test next summer.

"Thank you for all your support for England Cricket. It means a great deal to all of us."

 

[MenInG]

Lancashire Statement:

"As a club, we are absolutely devastated about the late cancellation of the Test at Emirates Old Trafford.

"We’d like to unreservedly apologise to ticket holders and all those that have or are due to travel to Emirates Old Trafford. A full refund will be issued, but we appreciate for many supporters, attending this Test match is more than just the monetary worth. After the last 18 months we’ve all experienced through the pandemic, it’s a fixture cricket fans in the North West have looked forward to for the best part of 18 months.

"You can’t underestimate the work that goes into preparing for a five-day Test match and I’d like to thank all our supporters, guests, suppliers, partners and all those involved for their continued support. I’d also like to thank all of the amazing staff who work at Emirates Old Trafford who have worked tirelessly to prepare the ground for the Test. We have an incredibly loyal and talented group of people who have worked very long hours in the run up to this game.

"We are working closely with the England and Wales Cricket Board on next steps and the finer detail that will follow as a consequence of this cancellation. In due course, the club will contact ticket and hospitality holders.

"The club would like to once again express it’s sincere apologies for all inconvenience and disruption caused to all involved."

 

[Savak]

India bossed and bullied England in England. This break is good, it gives England some time to regroup and give themselves the best chance to have the series tied at 2-2

 

[Junaids]

So let’s be clear.

3 Indians test positive at The Oval when they are on the verge of victory? Safe to play.

1 Indian assistant physio tests positive and all players test negative before a match where England can square the series? Unsafe to play.

Pull the other one India, it’s got bells on it!

 

[James]

If Indian players were out and about in Manchester for a shopping trip on Thursday, but then declined to play the Test match on Friday, then that doesn’t really look great at all.

 

[Devadwal]

So let’s be clear.

3 Indians test positive at The Oval when they are on the verge of victory? Safe to play.

1 Indian assistant physio tests positive and all players test negative before a match where England can square the series? Unsafe to play.

Pull the other one India, it’s got bells on it!

Mr Einstein you're who said there is chance of covid infection after 3-4 days after being tested .

 

[Devadwal]

So what if 2-3 Indian playing eleven players tested postive after day 3 of test. Then you would say why they not cencel this test match like you said during oval test. You're exposed again and again still came up with conspiracy theory .

 

[pakistani pride]

If Indian players were out and about in Manchester for a shopping trip on Thursday, but then declined to play the Test match on Friday, then that doesn’t really look great at all.

Its very normal. No one and I mean no one can sustain this fake bubble thing. Why do cricket teams go in a so called bubble anyways?

Take a look at football , one day they are playing qualifing games on the other part of europe and 2 days later back in their own leauges.

Its all just a show the face masks etc. People really need to move on from this thing now.

 

[AMSS]

If Indian players were out and about in Manchester for a shopping trip on Thursday, but then declined to play the Test match on Friday, then that doesn’t really look great at all.

Things that don't look good

1. Holding matches before thousands of maskless crowd packed close together.
2. Having drunken folks from crowd freely run to the ground to come in contact with players
3. Ground staff freely mingling with players
4. England freely inducting Jos Buttler in squad after he went away to spend time with his family with no quarantine requirements. Same with Jack Leach and a few others.

Once ECB is cool with all of the above, they cannot be precious about book launches and Indian players going about town.

 

[Technics 1210]

NZ refused to tour Bangladesh before the WTC final due to pandemic
Aus refused to tour SA, losses to CSA as confirmed by Graeme Smith
Eng pulled out of SA tour causing enormous financial losses to CSA
Eng hesitant to tour Aus

No problem, all fine.

India does a full tour of Australia. Does a full tour of Sri Lanka despite corona outbreak in the squad. Completes 4 out of 5 tests in England before health crisis, reports say they may play a test next year. Suddenly Team India and BCCI are villains and the other boards are angels.

The kind of xenophobes posting on this forum masquerading as cricket fans I tell you.

You need to try harder.

The 4 examples you've listed took place BEFORE a series start.

Meanwhile India pull out near the end of a tour because they're scared of any player catching covid which means they cannot board a plane to Dubai for the IPL.

You said yourself, India toured Sl despite Corona breakout in the indian squad - here none of the Indian players were tested positive.

This isn't a Hindutva pro news channel so save the melodramitc 'heath crisis' line because your boy Shastri didn't care when he was out promoting his book.

 

[Technics 1210]

If Indian players were out and about in Manchester for a shopping trip on Thursday, but then declined to play the Test match on Friday, then that doesn’t really look great at all.

Exactly. This stunt by Indian team is not related to health scare but the fear of missing out on the IPL.

 

[Manunited18]

What a farce

 

[James]

Things that don't look good

1. Holding matches before thousands of maskless crowd packed close together.
2. Having drunken folks from crowd freely run to the ground to come in contact with players
3. Ground staff freely mingling with players
4. England freely inducting Jos Buttler in squad after he went away to spend time with his family with no quarantine requirements. Same with Jack Leach and a few others.

Once ECB is cool with all of the above, they cannot be precious about book launches and Indian players going about town.

Ok but that’s a deflection of the key point, which is that “if” the Indian players went shopping in Manchester the day before the match was due to be played (if they did — I don’t know if they did or not) then they had absolutely no health grounds in declining to take the field.

 

[James]

Its very normal. No one and I mean no one can sustain this fake bubble thing. Why do cricket teams go in a so called bubble anyways?

Take a look at football , one day they are playing qualifing games on the other part of europe and 2 days later back in their own leauges.

Its all just a show the face masks etc. People really need to move on from this thing now.

I don’t disagree with you, I am absolutely fine with the Indian players going shopping in Manchester and (if they did) I hope they enjoyed it. But if this happened, then the same players should be taking the field in the Test match the day after…

 

[AMSS]

Ok but that’s a deflection of the key point, which is that “if” the Indian players went shopping in Manchester the day before the match was due to be played (if they did — I don’t know if they did or not) then they had absolutely no health grounds in declining to take the field.

Believe it or not, the Indian players do not require the services of a physio to shop or go about town. The Indian players weren't in any breach of guidelines etc unlike the ENG cricketers who went playing golf and then abandoned the tour of SAf based on tampered test results.

 

[HitWicket]

based on tampered test results.

Source please.

Added to that the England players were given permission to play golf during the tour.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Believe it or not, the Indian players do not require the services of a physio to shop or go about town. The Indian players weren't in any breach of guidelines etc unlike the ENG cricketers who went playing golf and then abandoned the tour of SAf based on tampered test results.

You keep bringing England cricketers playing golf in South Africa lol. It has nothing to do with the Ind-Eng series. Their playing XI was ready for this match, India's wasn't and that is the point of discussion.

 

[Swashbuckler]

You need to try harder.

The 4 examples you've listed took place BEFORE a series start.

Meanwhile India pull out near the end of a tour because they're scared of any player catching covid which means they cannot board a plane to Dubai for the IPL.

You said yourself, India toured Sl despite Corona breakout in the indian squad - here none of the Indian players were tested positive.

This isn't a Hindutva pro news channel so save the melodramitc 'heath crisis' line because your boy Shastri didn't care when he was out promoting his book.

England pulled out of South Africa in the middle of the tour. So stop lying.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

5th test will never happen. So either India draws the series by forfeit, or they win 2-1.

 

[Balthazar]

Looks like those who booked for travel and accommodations were the real suckers. Not sure why fans even go to the stadiums if this is how they are treated with their hard earned money.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reports stating that Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan have all withdrawn from the IPL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1436628355164557313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[IMMY69]

I think most of us hadour suspicions as to why the test was cancelled, I.e the IPL.

The only posters who see it differently are most of the Indians and they will deny it and deflect the situation by using the England Vs South Africa series.

 

[AMSS]

You keep bringing England cricketers playing golf in South Africa lol. It has nothing to do with the Ind-Eng series. Their playing XI was ready for this match, India's wasn't and that is the point of discussion.

Lol wrong

 

[James]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reports stating that Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan have all withdrawn from the IPL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1436628355164557313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Interesting. Feels like the politics is really ramping up on this one. :/

 

[silentkiller187]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reports stating that Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan have all withdrawn from the IPL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1436628355164557313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wow big news if true, interesting to see how this plays out and the inevitable merry go round that follows

 

[Saurav]

So let’s be clear.

3 Indians test positive at The Oval when they are on the verge of victory? Safe to play.

1 Indian assistant physio tests positive and all players test negative before a match where England can square the series? Unsafe to play.

Pull the other one India, it’s got bells on it!

verge of victory lmao. Eng needed 291 with all 10 wickets in hand on a patta.

Hindsight is easy.

 

[street cricketer]

verge of victory lmao. Eng needed 291 with all 10 wickets in hand on a patta.

Hindsight is easy.

Junaids is Bangladeshi by ancestry, British by birth, Australian by citizenship and Pakistani at heart when it comes to cricket

 

[IMMY69]

Junaids is Bangladeshi by ancestry, British by birth, Australian by citizenship and Pakistani at heart when it comes to cricket

What's your opinion on this?
Did they pull out due to covid or because they wanted to get back to UAE for IPL?

 

[OMB]

'India said ‘my bat, my ball, see you later.’ They were not interested to play': Steve Harmison blames IPL scheduling

The Indian players tested negative but they were reportedly not too keen to take the field keeping the risk factor in mind. But British media and a few of their former cricketers including Harmison have not shied away from blaming the IPL, which resumes from September 19 in the UAE.

Terming the cancellation of the India-England fifth Test in Manchester ‘the beginning of the end of Test cricket,’ former England fast bowler Steve Harmison said the IPL being barely four days after the scheduled end of the Test match, was one of the main reasons behind this situation.

“It’s rubbish, it really is. My initial thoughts are that this is the beginning of the end for Test cricket,” Harmison told TalkSport.

"But this is all about the IPL. End of. As much as I’d want to sugar coat it, I don’t think I can.

"The IPL starts in five days, and a month before the tour started India asked if they could move the last Test match forward or clear four days so they can fit the IPL in.

"All of a sudden this happens. It doesn’t sit well with me and I feel so sorry for the people of Manchester," he added.

The fifth and final Test was cancelled two hours before its toss on Friday due to Covid-19 fears in the Indian camp. India's assistant physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive on the eve of the Test match becoming fifth member of India's support staff -coaches Shastri, Arun, Sridhar and senior physio Nitin Patel had contracted the virus in London.

The Indian players tested negative but they were reportedly not too keen to take the field keeping the risk factor in mind. But British media and a few of their former cricketers including Harmison have not shied away from blaming the IPL, which resumes from September 19 in the UAE.

"We don’t know the full facts, but when teams are pulling out like that, two hours before the match, this is down to players saying, 'if we contract COVID now we have to stay here for ten days and the IPL is starting'.

"It’s a short window there and money makes the world go round, but there’s a point where integrity comes into it.

“For me, this is India flexing their muscles and saying, 'we’re not interested in playing – my bat, my ball, see you later',” Harmison added.

The former lanky fast bowler, however said, England can't play the blame game as they had done the same thing by pulling out from the South Africa limited-overs series last year.

“Let’s be fair before we start throwing stones, England did it to South Africa. Let’s get that straight from the very start,” he said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-said-my-bat-my-ball-see-you-later-they-were-not-interested-to-play-steve-harmison-blames-ipl-scheduling-101631355406629.html

 

[OMB]

‘India's refusal to play in Manchester denied James Anderson a final hurrah': David Lloyd after 5th Test cancelled


David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd drew the attention towards how Anderson, who might never play a Test at Old Trafford, a ground that has one end named after him as India ‘refused’ to play the fifth Test in Manchester.

Former England cricketer David Lloyd said India's ‘refusal’ to play the fifth and final Test at Old Trafford in Manchester might have denied England legend James Anderson his last chance to play at the venue. The final match of the five-Test series was postponed indefinitely hours before its scheduled beginning on Friday due to Covid-19 fears in the Indian camp. ECB and BCCI released statements confirming that the Manchester Test was cancelled and not ‘forfeited’ by India, which meant ECB faces a possibility of incurring a hefty financial loss.

David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, however drew the attention towards how Anderson, who might never play a Test at Old Trafford, a ground that has one end named after him.

“It might be that India’s refusal to fulfil their commitment and play the final Test denied Jimmy Anderson a final hurrah on a ground which bears his name at one end,” Lloyd wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

Lloyd was quick to add that Anderson, the current highest wicket-taker of the world among active cricketers, can surprise anyone by continuing to play for another couple of years.

Also Read | ‘A player should return to setup after 3-4 yrs but Dhoni’s case was special'

"He might not make another England appearance at his home of Emirates Old Trafford, although if you know Jimmy, you will realise there will be no fuss. The lad’s from Burnley - they don’t do fuss.

“They’re tough people from his neck of the woods and he won’t want a fanfare,” Lloyd added.

Anderson was in top form in the first three Tests of the series against India. He was one of main reasons why India captain Virat Kohli was kept quiet in the series and India's top-order despite the great efforts of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, had their fair share of troubles against the new ball.

"In fact, it tells you something about him that I wouldn’t have expected him to play in this game because he will have been in the red zone.

“But he’s a warrior and would have pushed himself forward once again, just as he has all summer, bowling an excessive number of overs because England cannot bat,” Lloyd said.

‘You don’t play if you don’t practise as a team the day before’: Lloyd
India did not practice on the eve of the Manchester Test after assistant physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive. Lloyd said the writing was on the wall then and there.

"So, at 7pm on Thursday when the announcement came from the ECB that the game was on, I said to Mrs Lloyd: ‘There will be a twist to this yet.’

"What made me so sure? Well, when India didn’t turn up to practise earlier that day it showed their hand. It said to me: ‘We ain’t playing.’

“You don’t play if you don’t practise as a team the day before,” he added.

BCCI, meanwhile, have offered to reschedule the cancelled Test which opened up the discussion of a one-off Test between the two sides when India tour England again next year for a limited-overs series.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/indias-refusal-to-play-in-manchester-denied-james-anderson-a-final-hurrah-david-lloyd-after-5th-test-cancelled-101631344658594.html

 

[street cricketer]

What's your opinion on this?
Did they pull out due to covid or because they wanted to get back to UAE for IPL?

I'm not aware of the reasons why they pulled out. But what I do know was that it would have been extremely risky to go ahead with the test in the current scenario, people only don't like the decision because the IPL follows it.

Just imagine a situation of say England touring Sri Lanka or Pakistan for a test series and all the members of their coaching set up becoming covid positive. Do you expect England would have went ahead with the game in that scenario? England ditched the Saffers and boarded the flight when a hotel receptionist and a lobby worker tested covid positive, nevermind members within their touring party, so I certainly can't imagine any team going ahead with the test with a covid outbreak within the team.

I would be lying if the IPL didn't have any role in it, but I don't think it's the only reason. Do you really think due to extreme coincidence that only those in the coaching setup managed to contract the virus and none of the players did, despite being in close proximity with the physio who became covid positive..I don't buy it.

 

[globalcitizen]

There was no doubt IPL played some part. But there is also no doubt any board would have done the same. England did same with their players trying to find a window for the hundred during the important india test series.

But ultimately it's players safety and their well being. Its mentally not good for players without their 2 physios, coach and may be it's on back of their minds that they may already be infected and need to go into a quarantine. In fact india will be in a more harsher bio bubble now ..

In best interest of both teams, right decision has been made. outsiders and jealous ppl may keep debating and trying to put every reason on IPL but no one cares!!

Let the IPL show begin

 

[Saurav]

There was no doubt IPL played some part. But there is also no doubt any board would have done the same. England did same with their players trying to find a window for the hundred during the important india test series.

But ultimately it's players safety and their well being. Its mentally not good for players without their 2 physios, coach and may be it's on back of their minds that they may already be infected and need to go into a quarantine. In fact india will be in a more harsher bio bubble now ..

In best interest of both teams, right decision has been made. outsiders and jealous ppl may keep debating and trying to put every reason on IPL but no one cares!!

Let the IPL show begin &#55357;&#56399;

IPL is also dress rehearsal for WT20. Not sure why should Indian players should miss it to play extra Test with health concerns.

 

[OMB]

Mumbai Indians flew in three of its Indian contingent members, captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, to Abu Dhabi on a private charter flight. The trio, along with their families, arrived today morning and will now undergo 6 days hard quarantine, starting today as per the IPL’s guidelines.
All members had returned negative RT PCR results before departure. A new RT PCR test was undertaken upon arrival at Abu Dhabi, which came out negative as well.

 

[Balthazar]

I suppose if the same thing had happened when playing IPL, I don't think any players would quit the matches.

 

[Saurav]

I suppose if the same thing had happened when playing IPL, I don't think any players would quit the matches.

and whats that assumption based on??

Ashwin did pull out of IPL in April before it was postponed.

 

[IMMY69]

I suppose if the same thing had happened when playing IPL, I don't think any players would quit the matches.

During the first part of this IPL people were dying on the streets in Delhi but they continued playing...
Players and commentators were brought out to say they are giving joy to the people and keeping them off the streets for four hours...

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">England called off their tour to SA in similar circumstances i.e. Uneasiness over a COVID outbreak. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustSaying?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustSaying</a> <a href="https://t.co/UtDM23VXrJ">https://t.co/UtDM23VXrJ</a></p>— Wear a Mask. Get Vaccinated, India (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1436645365202096128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[IMMY69]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">England called off their tour to SA in similar circumstances i.e. Uneasiness over a COVID outbreak. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustSaying?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustSaying</a> <a href="https://t.co/UtDM23VXrJ">https://t.co/UtDM23VXrJ</a></p>— Wear a Mask. Get Vaccinated, India (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1436645365202096128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yes the uneasiness of covid potentially causing a problem for the IPL

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">IPL teams chartering planes .. 6 days quarantining required in the UAE .. 7 days till the tournament starts !!!! Don’t tell me the Test was cancelled for any other reason but the IPL ..</p>— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1436637031191519235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Why ECB doesn't cancel India's next tour of Eng for LOIs that BCCI arent trustworthy to fullfill their commitments. INDIA doesnt play PAK. Whose loss it is. ECB knows this. They can crib but will always play INDIA as only the ashes and hosting India are money spinners for them.

 

[cricketjoshila]

What's your opinion on this?
Did they pull out due to covid or because they wanted to get back to UAE for IPL?

They would have got back to uae anyway. The test was finishing on 14th.

 

[OMB]

Ravi Shastri defends his book launch event, says anything could have happened from 1st Test

Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has defended his book launch event, saying that anything could have happened from the opening Test match of the series.

Some people are criticising Ravi Shastri's book launch event for the outbreak of COVID-19Shastri has defended the book launch event and said that anything could have happened from 1st Test match
The Indian cricket team's camp was hit by COVID-19 last week when Ravi Shastri's lateral flow test returned positive after day 3 of the 4th Test match. Following him, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar contracted the infection.

On the eve of the 4th Test, junior physio Yogesh Parmar also tested positive for COVID-19, which led to the cancellation of the 5th Test match, which was to start on September 10. While the source of COVID-19 isn't known, some are criticising Shastri for his book launch event as it took place with over 100 people in attendance.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and other members of Team India were also present at the event. Shastri, who is in isolation in the UK, has responded to the criticism and defended the book launch event.

“The whole country [United Kingdom] is open. Anything could have happened from Test One,” Shastri was quoted as saying by mid-day.

“It’s been the best summer of cricket England has seen in a long time certainly from an Indian cricket team. It’s Covid times, awesome summer though. The boys were fantastic either side of the Thames."

The cancelled 5th Test match is likely to take place at a rescheduled date as the BCCI said that the two boards will look to find a window for the fixture. Team India is scheduled to play a white-ball series against England next year and the one-off fixture could take place then.

Meanwhile, the majority of Indian players have joined their IPL franchises in UAE. They are now serving the six-day mandatory isolation period. The 2nd phase of IPL 2021 kicks off on September 19.

Shastri and other COVID-19 positive coaches will land in India after completing their isolation period. They will likely reach UAE for T20 World Cup next month.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/ravi-shastri-defends-his-book-launch-event-says-anything-could-have-happened-from-1st-test/810849

 

[mastimasti]

6 Tests isn’t a lot for an English summer. A 7th would be fine and we often have 7 Tests in the season.

That's true but there's a tonne of LOI cricket too. My point is it becomes increasingly difficult to book in a test match, especially if one is needed for good weather and we can actually watch 5 days of cricket.

 

[mastimasti]

They would have got back to uae anyway. The test was finishing on 14th.

Not necessarily, the UAE have very strict covid protocols, if any player tested positive during the final test, they would be limited as to when they could enter the UAE. 10 days is not a long time.

 

[OMB]

Sourav Ganguly says India players cannot be blamed for refusing to play final Test against England

Sourav Ganguly says India's players were "dead scared" of contracting Covid-19 after physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive;
fifth Test at Emirates Old Trafford was cancelled on the morning it was due to begin;
Ganguly says any rescheduled Test between sides must be standalone fixture


ECB chief executive Tom Harrison says rescheduling a one-off Test match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford would be 'the only good news' to come from the cancellation of this summer's fifth Test

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly says India's players should not be blamed for refusing to play the fifth Test against England, insisting that their physio's positive Covid-19 diagnosis left them "dead scared" they would contract the virus themselves.

The game at Emirates Old Trafford was cancelled on Friday morning, hours before it was due to begin, with a number of members of India's backroom staff having tested positive for coronavirus, including physios Nitin Patel and Yogesh Parmar.

India - who led the five-match series 2-1 after winning the fourth Test at The Kia Oval by 157 runs last Monday - were unable to field a side in Manchester.

Indian journalist Rica Roy says the country's cricket fans are 'extremely disappointed' that the fifth Test against England was called off

Ganguly told Indian newspaper The Telegraph: "The players refused to play but you can't blame them. Physio Yogesh Parmar was such a close contact of the players.

"Being the only one available, after Nitin Patel isolated himself, he mixed freely with the players and even performed their Covid-19 tests. He gave them a massage, he was part of their everyday lives.

"The players were devastated when they came to know he had tested positive. They feared they must have contracted the disease and were dead scared. It's not easy staying in a bubble.

"Of course, you have to respect their feelings."

Lancashire chief-executive Daniel Gidney explains the financial implications caused by the cancellation
India's players are now set to feature in the rescheduled Indian Premier League, which resumes in the United Arab Emirates this weekend having been postponed earlier in the year due to the high number of positive Covid cases in India.

ECB chief-executive Tom Harrison has denied that the Old Trafford Test was cancelled so that the IPL was not put in jeopardy, saying on Friday: "Let me be super clear, I don't think the IPL has anything to do with this

"This is not a situation which has been created by the rescheduled IPL, I fundamentally do not believe that for a second. This Indian cricket team are as passionate about Test cricket as fans in our country are."

Tom Harrison says the ECB has been working with players on their match schedules to ease the pressure on both their physical and mental health
Harrison also said talks were ongoing with the BCCI about rescheduling the cancelled Test.

Ganguly is adamant, that should a suitable date be found, that the game acts as a standalone match and is not part of this summer's series.

He added: "Let things settle down a bit, then we can discuss and decide. Whenever it's held next year, it should be a one-off match since it cannot be a continuation of the series."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12344/12406894/sourav-ganguly-says-india-players-cannot-be-blamed-for-refusing-to-play-final-test-against-england

 

[Junaids]

Congratulations to Saurav Ganguly.

His interview above confirms that:

1. The match was not jointly called off by the ECB and BCCI.
2. The match was cancelled when the Indian players refused to play.
3. The match was not cancelled because of any players testing positive for Covid.

This does three things.

Firstly, it ensures for insurance purposes that this was not a Covid cancellation - one team simply refused to play.

Secondly, for result purposes it confirms that one team forfeited the match by refusing to play. The "Ovalgate 2006" precedent now applies both legally and in cricket terms. We did not previously have that proof, but Ganguly has provided it now.

Thirdly, it makes clear that the Covid context was identical between the Fourth Test and the Fifth Test. So either the series finished 1-1 or it finished 2-2.

 

[Rana]

Congratulations to Saurav Ganguly.

His interview above confirms that:

1. The match was not jointly called off by the ECB and BCCI.
2. The match was cancelled when the Indian players refused to play.
3. The match was not cancelled because of any players testing positive for Covid.

This does three things.

Firstly, it ensures for insurance purposes that this was not a Covid cancellation - one team simply refused to play.

Secondly, for result purposes it confirms that one team forfeited the match by refusing to play. The "Ovalgate 2006" precedent now applies both legally and in cricket terms. We did not previously have that proof, but Ganguly has provided it now.

Thirdly, it makes clear that the Covid context was identical between the Fourth Test and the Fifth Test. So either the series finished 1-1 or it finished 2-2.

Bang on.

The Jay Shah proposal of playing 2 T20is more if ECB do not push for the forfeit result is a blatant admitting of guilt on BCCI’s part

 

[cricketjoshila]

Congratulations to Saurav Ganguly.

His interview above confirms that:

1. The match was not jointly called off by the ECB and BCCI.
2. The match was cancelled when the Indian players refused to play.
3. The match was not cancelled because of any players testing positive for Covid.

This does three things.

Firstly, it ensures for insurance purposes that this was not a Covid cancellation - one team simply refused to play.

Secondly, for result purposes it confirms that one team forfeited the match by refusing to play. The "Ovalgate 2006" precedent now applies both legally and in cricket terms. We did not previously have that proof, but Ganguly has provided it now.

Thirdly, it makes clear that the Covid context was identical between the Fourth Test and the Fifth Test. So either the series finished 1-1 or it finished 2-2.

1. Firstly if BCCI and ECB cannot come to any decision than ICC DRC or CAS will decide the fate. So what you are saying is your opinion. We all saw what your opinion was worth during the Australia tour of India

2. Again making false comparisons with an event that happened 15 years back. Players or boards are within their right to not play if their safety is threatened.

3. No they were not identical.

Since you have now spoken, i am pretty sure, reverse of what you said will happen.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Bang on.

The Jay Shah proposal of playing 2 T20is more if ECB do not push for the forfeit result is a blatant admitting of guilt on BCCI’s part

Its to compensate the ECB. If ECB wants to go to court, Bcci will be ready.

 

[OMB]

Congratulations to Saurav Ganguly.

His interview above confirms that:

1. The match was not jointly called off by the ECB and BCCI.
2. The match was cancelled when the Indian players refused to play.
3. The match was not cancelled because of any players testing positive for Covid.

This does three things.

Firstly, it ensures for insurance purposes that this was not a Covid cancellation - one team simply refused to play.

Secondly, for result purposes it confirms that one team forfeited the match by refusing to play. The "Ovalgate 2006" precedent now applies both legally and in cricket terms. We did not previously have that proof, but Ganguly has provided it now.

Thirdly, it makes clear that the Covid context was identical between the Fourth Test and the Fifth Test. So either the series finished 1-1 or it finished 2-2.

Ganguly didn’t say what you imply. Also media statements mean nothing of ECB wants to go legal as witness statements will make it clear that the players refused to play as this was a case of Covid-19 risk and which as you know is not considered a force majeure so ECB gets nothing. I don’t think any party will be held liable.

ECB threats of going legal is to force BCCI to come to table to offer a compensation and in which they will succeed. Maybe both parties will prioritize to schedule a test and make some more money out of it. The way I see it, see some other boards may lose their opportunity to play against A top English or Indian side.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Ganguly didn’t say what you imply. Also media statements mean nothing of ECB wants to go legal as witness statements will make it clear that the players refused to play as this was a case of Covid-19 risk and which as you know is not considered a force majeure so ECB gets nothing. I don’t think any party will be held liable.

ECB threats of going legal is to force BCCI to come to table to offer a compensation and in which they will succeed. Maybe both parties will prioritize to schedule a test and make some more money out of it. The way I see it, see some other boards may lose their opportunity to play against A top English or Indian side.

ECB may want more than just a test. So they make extra money.

 

[James]

apparently the young & fit elite sportsmen who are the Indian Test cricketers were more scared of catching Covid than my own overweight and vulnerable 61 year old mother. But she has been vaccinated against the disease. Have they?

 

[Babar_the_Destroyer]

This happened a week ago before 5th test

"Surrey's trip to Durham off because of Covid-19 positive cases"

Didnt saw anybody saying anything over it

 

[HitWicket]

This happened a week ago before 5th test

"Surrey's trip to Durham off because of Covid-19 positive cases"

Didnt saw anybody saying anything over it

We know that the entire Indian squad is double vaccinated, it's quite plausible that several members of the Surrey squad aren't therefore were legally required to self isolate.

 

[Snowflake]

Bang on.

The Jay Shah proposal of playing 2 T20is more if ECB do not push for the forfeit result is a blatant admitting of guilt on BCCI’s part

BCCI is as shameless as they come. The board operates like a freakin mafia. Seeing the blind followers here support them speaks to where the country is headed too. Blind nationalism

 

[street cricketer]

apparently the young & fit elite sportsmen who are the Indian Test cricketers were more scared of catching Covid than my own overweight and vulnerable 61 year old mother. But she has been vaccinated against the disease. Have they?

What an utterly silly analogy.

The Indian cricketers were tended to by the only remaining assistant physiotherapist in the squad in the last two days of the Oval test and the days preceding the Manchester test as Ravi Shastri had been diagnosed covid positive and the remaining coaches like the bowling, fielding and main physiotherapist were isolated along with Shastri as they had been close contacts with Shastri. By the time the Oval test ends, it's known that the remaining coaches have tested positive for covid as well and therefore the assistant physio, who was the only remaining physio with the team, tended to the injured players and fast bowlers on the massage table in the days between the 4th and 5th tests.

Now just before the Manchester test starts, the assistant physio tests positive as well, which means a number of the Indian players had been in close contact with the asst physio in the days leading up to the 5th test as one cannot really do physiotherapy at a distance. Now while the players themselves tested negative, it was highly likely that a few of them could test positive some 2-3 days later just like the assistant physio did. What would you do when say 4 players in the Indian playing XI test covid positive on the 3rd day.

The England players scooted off from South Africa immediately when just two people working in the hotel they were residing tested positive, none in their team management tested positive like 4-5 in the Indian team management. The IPL came to a standstill when a groundsman tested positive and later players as well. I find it amusing that Pakistanis and other posters were castigating the IPL when covid positive cases broke out within the tournament, yet are blaming India for not taking the field when it is confirmed that their players have been in close contact with a covid positive person. I can understand the reaction of the Pakistanis due to their animosity towards anything Indian related for obvious reasons, but I would expect better sense from the English posters here, which has sadly been lacking.

 

[Junaids]

1. Firstly if BCCI and ECB cannot come to any decision than ICC DRC or CAS will decide the fate. So what you are saying is your opinion. We all saw what your opinion was worth during the Australia tour of India

2. Again making false comparisons with an event that happened 15 years back. Players or boards are within their right to not play if their safety is threatened.

3. No they were not identical.

Since you have now spoken, i am pretty sure, reverse of what you said will happen.

This is the big miscalculation of the BCCI.

Usually they can just dangle some money in front of whichever cricket board they take advantage of, and there are no consequences.

Not this time. Huge amounts of money have been spent, including insurance premiums. And this matter will not be resolved by the ICC or Court of Arbitration for Sport, but by the insurance companies.

Both the ECB and Lancashire County Cricket Club protected their investment in the Fifth Test with insurance policies. The policies are invalidated if any player tests positive for Covid before the start of the match - but no player did. Being afraid that a player might turn positive does not invalidate the insurance policy - it simply makes the withdrawing team liable to pay for the costs of its withdrawal.

The comments of Saurav Ganguly will be admissible justification for the insurer to seek reimbursement by the BCCI for its payout. Tom Harrison of the ECB also picked his words very carefully when he commented on the record that the Indians had withdrawn for mental health reasons, rather than due to Covid.

We have already seen that the unfortunate withdrawal of the Indians has left them without the series victory that they had virtually achieved. Nobody considers them to have won the series: opinion is divided as to whether the series was abandoned with No Result, or whether it was drawn 2-2. I actually feel sorry for the players, because they had practically won the series and now see that result completely discarded.

I think that it is right that Inzamam's moronic decision not to take the field after Tea left Pakistan forfeiting the Ovalgate Test, and turning a 2-2 series draw into a 3-1 defeat. It served him and Kamran Akmal right.

Saurav Ganguly now claims that his players did the same thing. Insurance companies care not one whit for the power structure of international cricket. Either the BCCI pays off the ECB's 35 million pound loss and Lancashire's 5 million pound loss quickly, or they will claim on their policies and the BCCI will be hoist with its own petard.

Being more powerful than any other cricket board does not help the BCCI in the slightest against insurance companies - especially as they almost certainly were themselves aggrieved losers of purchased corporate hospitality at the match.

Either the BCCI rapidly buys off all the aggrieved parties, or they will find themselves paying out to the insurers.

 

[OMB]

BCCI is as shameless as they come. The board operates like a freakin mafia. Seeing the blind followers here support them speaks to where the country is headed too. Blind nationalism

This is a cricket forum. Stick to cricket

 

[AMSS]

Both the ECB and Lancashire County Cricket Club protected their investment in the Fifth Test with insurance policies. The policies are invalidated if any player tests positive for Covid before the start of the match - but no player did. Being afraid that a player might turn positive does not invalidate the insurance policy - it simply makes the withdrawing team liable to pay for the costs of its withdrawal.

Will be very helpful if you can tell us how you came to know of the fine prints of the terms of insurance. If you do, do let us know what the fine print says exactly about abandonment on account of Covid.

Does it specifically say players have to test positive or the team itself?

Because if it's the team - an international team - with coaches and all the support staff counted as part of the team with players being close contacts, then India decided against taking the field on account of a Covid outbreak.

If you go through the BCCI's official statement, it specifically says the team refused to take the field because of a Covid outbreak in the team contingent.

There's precedent for exactly such cases in county cricket where no team had to forfeit the match. And most importantly, ICC's own interim regs on Covid allows a team to not take the field in case players are close contacts of Covid positive cases.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Agree with [MENTION=152021]Rajdeep[/MENTION] and his #TruthBomb that they did it for the IPL. This was a proud moment for fans who prefer Pyjama Leagues over internationals.

 

[Last Monetarist]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/59011364

The postponed fifth Test between England and India will be played at Edgbaston from 1-5 July next year.

The series decider, due to be held at Emirates Old Trafford in September, was called off after India withdrew over Covid-19 concerns.

The rearranged Test will count towards the outcome of the series, which India lead 2-1.

Old Trafford will replace Edgbaston as the venue for the second Test between England and South Africa in August.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said Old Trafford could not stage the rearranged Test because of "complexities in the schedule" and a lack of time to prepare a pitch because of "pre-planned events" at the ground.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: "We are very pleased that we have reached an agreement with BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to create a fitting end to what has been a brilliant series so far.

"We would like to apologise again to fans for the disruption and disappointment of September events."

BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah said: "The four Test matches were riveting, and we needed a fitting finale."

India are scheduled to play three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals in England in July.

The T20 series will start six days later than originally planned on 7 July, and the ODI series will get under way on 12 July.

Old Trafford will host an ODI rather than the scheduled T20, while Edgbaston will do the opposite.

"We recognise that accommodating this extra match means a tighter schedule for the white-ball series," Harrison said. "We will continue to manage our players' welfare and workloads through next year."

The Test was postponed after a number of India's support staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The tourists said they were unable to field a team as they feared further cases spreading through the squad.

In announcing the news of the cancellation two hours before the start of the game on 10 September, the ECB said India had forfeited the Test, only to retract that statement.

Harrison said later that day that the International Cricket Council would make a ruling on the outcome of the Test and series, but India opener Rohit Sharma said this month: "In my mind we have won the series 2-1."

England v India 2022 - revised schedule

1-5 July: Fifth Test, Edgbaston
7 July: First T20, Ageas Bowl
9 July: Second T20, Edgbaston
10 July: Third T20, Trent Bridge
12 July: First ODI, Kia Oval
14 July: Second ODI, Lord's
17 July: Third ODI, Emirates Old Trafford

 

[MenInG]

Talking about the Test squad for the one-off Test against England, all the senior members will be back and Rohit Sharma will be back to lead the side. KS Bharat has been named as back-up wicketkeeper to Rishabh Pant. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are the pace-bowling options while Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are the spin options. Cheteshwar Pujara has also earned his place back in the squad on the back of strong performances for Sussex in County Championship Division 2.

TEST Squad - Rohit Sharma (Capt), KL Rahul (VC), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant (wk), KS Bharat (wk), R Jadeja, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohd Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Prasidh Krishna