The Prime Minister’s office will be vital to ensuring the tour by India will proceed
The Indian team will likely have to self isolate in India and then Australia under strict border restrictions if their summer tour is to proceed.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed travel exemptions could be granted to overseas teams to save Australia’s summer of cricket.
Cricket Australia – in a cash crisis because COVID-19 has hit at the low point of its four-year financial cycle – is set to request special exemptions so the blockbuster Test series can take place.
CA would generate around $300 million from broadcast rights from the four-match series, helping the sport bounce back to life after 200 workers were stood down on 20 per cent pay and coach Justin Langer was made part-time.
Stream over 50 sports on-demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
“The Prime Minister and the Commonwealth Government have always had a strong relationship with (Cricket Australia) given the partnership on the annual PMs XI fixture,” a spokesperson from the PM’s office said.
“The government will continue to engage with Cricket Australia on its plans to recommence play at both a professional and community level, including any requests for exemptions to be applied by the Australian Border Force.”
It is likely that India players and officials would have to self-isolate for 14 days both before they boarded the plane and again once they arrived in Australia in order to receive a medical clearance to train and play.
Former Test great and Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie said domestic leagues would flourish if international travel remains restricted for cricket teams.
“It could pave the way for … more coverage as states, countries and regions will potentially have their international players available more,” Gillespie tweeted.
But CA boss Kevin Roberts and New Zealand Cricket boss David White have discussed staging a trans-Tasman series should the government block Virat Kohli’s team from entering the country.
Cricket bosses from Australia, India, England and New Zealand are formulating a biosecurity plan to help the sport get off the ground.
CA’s cash reserves peaked at $270 million in 2016 but had dropped to $97 million last month.
CA will save around $3 million in wages by standing down its staff.
Former Essendon chairman David Evans is in charge of the sport’s shares portfolio, which has crashed in recent months due to COVID-19.
Evans was at the helm during the Bombers’ disastrous supplements saga.
“We had about $41 million sitting in equities as at the end of last financial year, and that rose to a high point in February and then came off to $36 million (on April 17),” Roberts said last week.
“It’s absolutely true that from the high point it has come off further than that. (But) the return on that $22 million portfolio has been over 50 per cent.”
Originally published as The Prime Minister’s office will be vital to ensuring the tour by India will proceed