'Not a smart move' - BCCI isn't happy with Shardul Thakur training outdoors without permission

India pacer Shardul Thakur, on Saturday, became the first Indian contracted cricketer to train outdoors. He hit the ground along with some of the domestic cricketers at Boisar in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. However, the BCCI is miffed with the cricketer’s latest move as he didn’t seek any permission from the board before resuming his training.

The central government has allowed reopening of sports complexes in Lockdown 4.0 and also stated that the sportspersons can train individually following strict guidelines after taking required permissions. Shardul, being a contracted player, should’ve consulted BCCI before taking the field. He is in the C category in the central contract for the 2019-20 season.

“He isn’t allowed as he is contracted. Sadly, he went on his own. Shouldn’t have done this, not a smart move,” the BCCI official was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. While speaking to the media after the training, Shardul Thakur cleared that he didn’t use saliva to shine the ball abiding by ICC Cricket Committee’s latest recommendation. He also trained in the Palghar district which isn’t in the red zone now.

But the sources in the BCCI stated that the cricketer shouldn’t have trained without the board’s approval when it is trying everything possible to ensure the safety of the players.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma yet to train

The fact that Maharashtra is the worst affected state due to the Coronavirus raises eyebrows over Shardul Thakur’s actions. Rather the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane who are in Mumbai have made sure they stay at home and not train in the sports complexes despite the relaxed lockdown guidelines.

As far as Shardul Thakur’s training is concerned, an official overlooking the net sessions at the Palghar Dahanu Taluka Sports Association cleared that all the safety protocols were followed. He also claimed that the players were given a separate set of disinfected balls and their temperatures were also checked.

“All the safety measures were followed. The bowlers got their own balls which were disinfected and temperatures of the players who came for practise were also checked,” he said.