5 Cricketing habits that could change post Coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus pandemic has led to all the cricketing activities being shut down. Literally, no cricket is being played across the world. Certain countries tried playing behind closed doors but even that attempt had a risk of players being exposed to the virus. A few of the PSL matches and the first ODI of the three-match series between Australia and New Zealand were played without any crowd in the stadium.

Moreover, even the India vs South Africa ODIs were to be played in empty stadiums before the series opener was abandoned due to rain and the BCCI postponed the contest. Since the third week of March, no cricket is being played and while the pandemic has affected almost 13.5 lakh across the globe, the possibility of resumption in the near future looks bleak.

Also, even if cricket resumes later in the year, the players and the authorities will be aware of the Coronavirus haunting them back again. Thus, a few of the cricketing habits could either be shelved forever or avoided for a certain period of time.

Here we bring you five cricketing habits that might change after resumption:

1. Shaking hands after the match

In Cricket, over the years, a wonderful tradition is being followed. Both the competing teams shake hands after the match to show respect to each other while also applauding the efforts they put during the game irrespective of the winner.

Recently, Harsha Bhogle cited the importance of imbibing its habit in the youngsters after the controversial U19 World Cup final between India and Bangladesh which saw players getting physical and abusing each other. “The one thing I would like young cricketers to imbibe is that once the contest is over, you shake hands with the opponent. It is one of the enduring aspects of our game & it cannot be disrespected,” he had tweeted.

Unfortunately, the tradition might not continue after cricket resumes later this year due to the fear of the Coronavirus transmission. Even when the matches were played behind closed doors, the players had avoided shaking hands while fist bumping was preferred. Shaking hands could be shelved altogether at least for a few months depending on the situation and the affect the Coronavirus has in the upcoming months.

The one thing I would like young cricketers to imbibe is that once the contest is over, you shake hands with the opponent. It is one of the enduring aspects of our game & it cannot be disrespected. I hope the BCCI and the BCB feel the need to drive the point home to their players

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 10, 2020