After BCCI’s request, ECB relaxes hard quarantine upon arrival of Indian cricketers in the UK

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has accepted the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) request to reduce the quarantine period upon the Indian players’ arrival to the United Kingdom (UK). Team India, led by Virat Kohli, are set to start their campaign with the World Test Championship final against New Zealand from June 18 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Thereafter, India are scheduled to play five Tests against England from August first week to the second week of September. The Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Headingley, Kennington Oval, and Old Trafford are the hosts for the series. As for the quarantine period, the BCCI wanted a reduced period of the same when the Indian cricketers reach the UK.

BCCI wants Indian players to get more practice

The BCCI made the request in order for the Indian players to have more practice before the final. The Black Caps would be having match practice when they play England in a two-match Test series. Hence, the period of the 10-day quarantine was requested to be reduced, Insidesport reported.

It has now been learned that the request has been accepted by the ECB, meaning that the Indian players would have to quarantine in a hotel for three days. From the fourth day onwards, they would be allowed to practice for the game against Kane Williamson’s Kiwis.

In the meantime, ahead of the WTC final, it was learned that around 4000 spectators would be allowed in Southampton. On May 19, 1500 people attended the county championship match between Hampshire and Leicestershire at the same venue.

“We’re staging a four-day county game from today and for the first time since September 2019 fans were allowed for a cricket match in England. The other county games of this round will begin tomorrow and those games too will see crowds,” Rod Bransgrove, the head of Hampshire County Club, was quoted as saying.

“I understand 50 percent of the permitted crowds will be taken by the ICC for its sponsors and other stakeholders and we will be selling the rest 2000 tickets. We have already received more than double applications from the fans. It is a high-interest game and there is a good demand for it,” he added.