BCCI is ready to tour Sri Lanka for six limited-overs matches if travel restrictions are eased

Recently, there were reports that Sri Lanka Cricket was ready to host Indian Premier League 2020 if the BCCI has no objections, but later the Indian cricket board stated that never received any such proposal from the SLC. However, on Friday, there was news that Sri Lanka Cricket requested the BCCI to play bilateral series in June-July.

As per schedule, the Men in Blue are set to travel to Island nation for three ODIs and as many T20Is this June-July, but according to the current situation, the tour has high chances of getting postponed or suspended for an indefinite period. Contrary to that, on Saturday, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has responded to the SLC mail and hinted that the series is still on. He stated that the happening of the tour depends on the Indian government as it has currently imposed nationwide lockdown with strict travel restrictions.

“It all depends on government directives pertaining to lockdown relaxations and travel restrictions. We are open to travel if it doesn’t compromise the safety and health of our boys,” Dhumal wrote, as per the report in Hindustan Times.

Also, as per the report, the Sri Lanka board will follow all quarantine rules and has planned to host all the games of the tour behind the closed doors.

In reality, the series between Sri Lanka and India is highly unlikely to happen

The pandemic is currently spreading at a high rate at the moment in India and the country is under lockdown since March 25. Even though the government has given some relaxations, it will be tough to expect the Indian cricketers to get back to the field and train in the near future. They might need the government’s permission to undergo training outdoors. For the tour to happen, we should expect cricketers to train at least from the start of June.

Also, on Friday, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has come forward and stated that if the Indian Premier League doesn’t take place this year, the board will face huge losses of around INR 4000 Crores. He also hinted at pay cuts for Indian cricketers if the cash rice league gets cancelled this year. However, later, Arun Dhumal clarified that pay cuts will be the last thing to think of for the Indian cricketers.