The International Cricket Council has listed down bio-security protocols that have been put in place ahead of the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in West Indies to ensure a safe & smooth commencement of the tournament.
ICC’s priority has been the health and safety
Right from the beginning ICC’s priority has been the health & safety of all the participants & the communities in the West Indies. The board aims to create a setting that is safe from both a physical & well-being perspective with the welfare of all participants being their utmost priority.
The ICC has also set up a bio-safety Scientific Advisory Group which is headed by an independent chairperson in partnership with participating members & host nation governments. BSAG will look after all the issues related to bio-safety through the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 & will meet up regularly to check whether all the protocols have been followed meticulously throughout the tournament. The group will also ensure that any COVID-19 related issues that arise are dealt with appropriately with expert & scientific advice.
“The ICC has planned a robust & proportionate bio-safety plan for the ICC U19 men’s cricket World Cup 2022 in partnership with Cricket West Indies & the four host country governments in line with global sports body best practice. We want the focus to be on the cricket & to ensure that it is played in a safe environment where players enjoy what for most of them is their first World Cup experience”, said the ICC head of Integrity, Alex Marshall as per an Official Release.
The event is taking place across four countries
“We are fully expecting a number of positive tests with regular testing of all participants & that will be managed according to our bio-security plan & under the guidance of BSAG. Merely registering a positive PCR result within a team will not result in a postponement of the fixture. The main principle is to continue playing with appropriate mitigations in place if it is safe, practicable & proportionate to do so. Thanks to our hosts & the teams for their commitment to delivering a safe World Cup”, he added.
Teams, Broadcasters & Match Officials will undergo mandatory quarantine on reaching West Indies carried by diagnostic & surveillance testing & are now in managed event environments (Mees). The event is taking place across four countries & the MEE will be maintained in each country & even when teams are travelling.