Cricket begins in June, WI agrees to play in ENG without viewers

St John's, Antigua:The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has given its approval in principle for the next month's tour of England, which will be played in a "bio-secure" environment.

The decision was taken during a teleconference meeting of the Board of Directors of Cricket West Indies following detailed discussions involving medical and cricket-related representatives of CWI and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

West Indies had been scheduled to visit England for three tests in June but the tour was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is now looking at hosting the series in July. 

If the series gets the nod of the UK government, it will mark resumption of international cricket which has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"CWI ... received and reviewed detailed plans for players and staff to be kept in a bio-secure environment for the duration of the tour, with all matches being played 'behind closed doors'," it said in a statement on Friday.

The ECB has proposed two venues for the Test series starting July 8, Hampshire's Ageas Bowl and Lancashire's Old Trafford, both of which have on-site hotels.

''CWI's management is now in the process of seeking to put all of the approvals and logistics in place within the Caribbean, including seeking permission from the various National Governments to facilitate the movement of players and support staff, using private charter planes and conducting medical screenings and individual COVID-19 testing for all members of the touring party,'' read the statement.All games will be played behind closed doors without spectators.(UNI)