West Indies legend, Sir Clive Lloyd is of the opinion it would not be wise for the Caribbean side to tour England with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic not yet under control.
Lloyd, who is currently in England, was speaking on the Barbados radio programme, Mason and Guests at the time and he was asked his point of view on the tour. He responded, “A lot depends on the safety, a lot of people are still dying here you know and I don’t think it would be wise if your health is at stake. You have to take all the precautions, you have to wait and see what the medical people are saying because it is obvious at the moment nothing is happening and…they say things are getting better but until that happens, I don’t think we can make any particular decision.”
West Indies are set to tour England for a three-Test series in July but the logistics of the tour is still being discussed. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cricket West Indies, Johnny Grave, told Stabroek Sports recently that the plan involves the England Cricket Board (ECB) utilizing a bio-secure venue for the matches in keeping with the government’s guidelines to curb the pandemic.
Grave has continuously stressed that the staff and players’ safety is the top priority during the tour. He also indicated that players will be tested.
West Indies captain Jason Holder said earlier this week that he will not force players to travel to England for the three-test series.
“Each player has to be comfortable in making the step,” Holder told the BBC.
“It’s been made clear if we are to hop on a plane and go over to England to play, it must be safe … from my perspective, I won’t be forcing anyone to go anywhere,” he added. Stabroek Sport understands that the touring party will be quarantined for two weeks in an environment that allows them to still practice.
CWI has already contacted 30 players to make themselves available for the upcoming tour and that list includes Guyanese players, Keemo Paul, Shimron Hetmyer and Veerasammy Permaul.
