The show must go on amid bio-secure bubble

0

By The Line Judge

‘Frustration prevails without cricket’ screamed a newspaper headline last Sunday (4) while another outlined the ‘Vision’ of Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa to transform Sri Lanka’s sports into a multi-billion-dollar industry. It underscores the paradox facing sports authorities in the country as they battle against the intransigence of health authorities to give the green light for the resumption of normal sports activities. This was before the latest outbreak of COVID-19 positive cases, which has jolted the community fearing another prolonged period of lockdown.

Despite the loud boasts that Sri Lanka is among the top countries which contained the pandemic and were least affected comparatively, with the spread among the community being minimal, the authorities lived in a cocoon being rigidly concerned about quarantine procedures without being flexible even when it comes to international teams touring the country. Their strict compliance to 14-day quarantine at a hotel and another 14-day self-isolation at home for people returning from overseas is not practical for sports teams coming to the island.

The last-minute cancellation of Bangladesh cricket team’s tour of Sri Lanka, initially postponed from July-August because of the pandemic, was a classic case of mismanagement by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in negotiating a reasonable solution to the impasse. Although the scheduled three-Test series against Bangladesh may not have been financially viable, the return of international cricket to Sri Lanka would have opened the doors for more lucrative events to be hosted in Sri Lanka. It would have been a harbinger for the planned inaugural LPL (Lanka Premier League) T20 and the proposed T10 League. The LPL has been postponed several times this year, largely because they have yet to find takers for some of the franchises, while the National T10 League has pushed back to next year.

Bangladesh Cricket Board’s unreasonable demand requesting a three-day quarantine for their touring team was the final straw which broke the camel’s back. Sri Lanka agreed to allow the players to begin training from the eighth day onwards in a bio-secure bubble. Three members from the Bangladesh touring party had tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka. In hindsight, SLC may be heaving a sigh of relief that the tour was called off because of Bangladesh’s refusal to adhere to the government’s COVID-19 protocols and justified the health ministry’s stance of compliance considering the latest viral outbreak.

Nonetheless, the implications of Bangladesh’s tour not taking place are manifold especially at a time when UAE, which recorded more than 1,000 cases a day, are successfully staging the IPL (Indian Premier League) with players being required to be in quarantine only for six days. In fact, even Europe, which was the worst hit by the coronavirus epidemic, has opened up its borders and is conducting major tournaments.  England played host to Pakistan in July with Premier League football resuming.

Tennis also conducted Grand Slam tournaments – the US Open and French Open. European football leagues are continuing as scheduled.

The show goes on albeit in empty stadiums with the doors being shut to the public.

Sports men and women used to the adrenalin of adulation and playing in front of packed audiences are also getting accustomed to the ‘new normal’ of containing their emotions in celebrations with fist bumps and stuff grateful for the fact that they are plying their trade and engaging in their passion on the field of play.

Sri Lanka’s authorities on the other hand were wary and seemed ill-prepared to tackle the crisis which has been blow out of proportion. Whereas most countries have a detailed guideline on how to return to training and competition gradually, there is no document that could have been used as the standard safety requirement for sports bodies to implement.

The sports ministry did come up with a guideline for the resumption of national pool residential training for cricket, rugby and football in the immediate aftermath when restrictions were eased in July. However, apart from cricket, with no international events on the calendar, it was a worthless exercise. Football also convened the national pool, largely for new head coach Amir Alagic to scout for new talent, conducted an invitation FFSL President’s Cup tournament in August whereas rugby was more concerned with electing a new set of office-bearers.

However, Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) did come up with a comprehensive plan to restart the season beginning with two Sevens tournaments this month. More significantly, SLR’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Namith Sankalpana formulated a document based on World Rugby guidelines and even conducted a workshop on a ‘Safe Return to Rugby’ with all stakeholders of the sport. They also appointed a former SLR president Christopher Jordache as ‘Covid Director’ to coordinate with all participating teams. The focus was on four special areas using simple strategies for home and practice environment, administrative sector, match venue and match day. It detailed how to conduct practices, the precautions you have to take in your club and how to conduct matches.

“But the problem is in Sri Lanka, we don’t have guidelines. It should come from the health ministry through the DG (Director General) of Health Services. If he issues, a guideline it is a rule in Sri Lanka. Otherwise this is just a document,” Dr Sankalpana was reported as saying. The Acting DG of Health Services only defined contact sports that are high-risk, low-risk or have medium-risk without specifying the actual guidelines that need to be followed.

Sports Minister Rajapaksa came like a breath of fresh air and sparked a revival of sports competitions beginning with Surfing in Hambantota and Arugam Bay. Although there was no specific return to guidelines, contact sports like boxing resumed at provincial level as part of the 46th National Sports Festival. The first selection trials for athletics were to be held this month. The latest outbreak has brought sports to a grinding halt once again.

Another downside is the effect it has had on even national cricketers financially.

“We are professional players and cricket is our bread and butter,” Sri Lanka fast bowler Suranga Lakmal was reported as saying. “Yes, we get our contract payments every quarter. But, financially, we have lost a huge deal over the last several months. We understand it but can we ever get back this lost period of our career? The damage this has caused is immense.”

If cricketers are feeling the pinch, just imagine what others are going through.

-ENCL

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

otc high blood pressure treatment blood pressure guidelines medications blood pressure pills that is safe for the liver high blood pressure medication levothyroxine blood pressure medication that reduces blood pressure is there any difference in blood pressure pills high blood pressure child medication blood pressure medication recommendation nose blue blood pressure medication blood pressure is 150 68 should i take my medication blood pressure medication while nursing taking a bunch of high blood pressure pills aerobic exercise and blood pressure medication good blood pressure medication acupuncture treatment for low blood pressure best over the counter pills for high blood pressure blood pressure pill amlodipine besylate high blood pressure signs and treatment moderna vaccine blood pressure medication which blood pressure drugs do not cause tinnitus blood pressure medication fights cancer blood pressure medication skin rash side effects of high blood pressure medication impotence medication to avoid on blood pressure medications high blood pressure rx medication peripheral neuropathy caused by blood pressure medication high blood pressure in pregnancy treatment nice runny nose do to blood pressure medication how to get off of blood pressure pills hiv medication and high blood pressure niacin treatment for high blood pressure two drugs for blood pressure that caused cancer high blood pressure causing medications high blood pressure medication names canada blood pressure medication side effects alcohol i take 3 blood pressure medication blood pressure pills that help with anxiety what iv drug raises blood pressure list of doctors who formulated blood pressure medications how to remember blood pressure medications sleeping pills blood pressure how fast does blood pressure medication take effect sweet n low high blood pressure medication home treatment for blood pressure high blood pressure medication matrocet high blood pressure medication doses blood pressure drug bystolic iberstaron blood pressure medication blood pressure medications st alphabetical celexa and high blood pressure medication does blood pressure pills irritation skin can i take combivent with high blood pressure medication blood pressure medications beta blockers list what to do if blood pressure medication does not work drugs to lower your blood pressure red beet pills for blood pressure taurine and blood pressure medications how ling for garlic pills to lower blood pressure blood pressure medication list and side effects can i take aspirin with high blood pressure medication blood pressure medication teaching about hot tubs water pills high blood pressure over counter what is an arb medication for blood pressure resveratrol high blood pressure medication high blood pressure medication and weight loss gum disease and blood pressure medication benzenesulfonic acid in blood pressure medication taking two blood pressure pills by mistake allergy pills for high blood pressure blood pressure prescription drugs safety blood pressure medication in pregnancy trazodone and blood pressure medication which blood pressure medication is linked to skin cancer list of blood pressure medications with the least side effects could blood pressure medication make blood thicker disadvantages of high blood pressure medication blood pressure medications ludipril typical drugs for high blood pressure otc water pills for high blood pressure blood pressure medications that do not doncause bowel blockage high blood pressure after corrosion treatment how soon does high blood pressure medication work blood pressure medication teaching amertyrine high blood pressure medication increased blood pressure and heart rate after drug overdose over the counter drugs high blood pressure blood pressure medication 25 is blood pressure medication a nitrate most effective blood pressure pills blood pressure medical does red yeast rice interfere with high blood pressure medication can apple cider vinegar pills lower blood pressure does blood pressure medication give you headaches high blood pressure medication and driving should you take blood pressure pills with food inn blood pressure drugs can you eat bananas if taking blood pressure medication popular high blood pressure medication blood pressure medication los blood pressure medication second drug low blood pressure and hypertension medication do water pills lower blood pressure high blood pressure pill aqunadine high blood pressure cholesterol medication how does medication lower blood pressure acetaminophen blood pressure medication blood pressure medication 30 mg that works around the heart what does grapefruit do to blood pressure medication can red yeast rice be taken with blood pressure medication pharmaceutical treatment for high blood pressure are blood pressure pills statins blood pressure pills that start with r blood pressure medication and male impotence taking baby aspirin with other high blood pressure medications what is the medical name for a blood pressure cuff leg cramps and blood pressure medication blood pressure pill name starts with p natural high blood pressure treatments blood pressure medication names losartan higher blood pressure with radiation treatment medical marijauna high blood pressure how to avoid medication for high blood pressure what time is best to take blood pressure medication medication for palpitations and high blood pressure latest news on blood pressure treatment what if i take two blood pressure pills does xanax interfere with blood pressure medication amlipan blood pressure medication vitamin e and blood pressure medication tell me the side effects of high blood pressure medication herbs pills to lower blood pressure blood pressure medication urge to urinate what medication will safely replace lisop as blood pressure medicine active ingredient in high blood pressure medication blood pressure medications cause adrenal tumors is biktarvy ok to take with high blood pressure medication alembic blood pressure medication sandoz blood pressure medication exercise high blood pressure medication grapefruit pills blood pressure treatment for high blood pressure at home blood pressure medication for patients with osa cycle on off blood pressure medication blood pressure drugs that do not cause heat sensitivity blood pressure medications that do not cause coughing what blood pressure medications do not cause rosacea pfizer blood pressure medication side effects do garlic pills really help lower blood pressure should i take medication for anxiety induced blood pressure treatment for uncontrolled blood pressure decongestant medication high blood pressure can stiff days be used with high blood pressure medication how long does it take medication to lower blood pressure what if i miss a blood pressure pill tribenzor high blood pressure pills law lawsuit 2023 treatment of sudden drop in blood pressure zoloft and blood pressure medication orange high blood pressure pill cancer blood pressure pill why cant people with high blood pressure take keto pills how long for blood pressure to go down mini pill should i get second opinion before taking blood pressure medication blood pressure erectile dysfunction medication high blood pressure medication m lot ben medical device lowers blood pressure puppy ate blood pressure pill are there medications for low blood pressure dod blood pressure medication is losartan a blood pressure pill combination drugs for blood pressure marijuana and blood pressure medication interaction blood pressure medication interactions with grapefruit can you eat bananas while taking high blood pressure medication steps before going on high blood pressure medication blood pressure medication when to cut down foods to avoid on blood pressure medication blood pressure medications depression blood pressure medication non beta blocker tattoos and high blood pressure medication what is the medications used to lower blood pressure quickly high blood pressure medication leg swelling blood pressure medication men in your 40s blood pressure medication wieight loss blood pressure medication hy can blood pressure medication lower blood sugar does blood pressure medication make you pee natural treatment high blood pressure during pregnancy can you take l arginine with high blood pressure medication what class of blood pressure medication can can blood pressure pills reduce appetite faa approved medication for high blood pressure high blood pressure medication during pregnancy best blood pressure medication for type 2 diabetes blood pressure and pain medication pain medication that does not affect blood pressure best high blood pressure drugs on the market if you take incorrect medications to lower blood pressure low blood pressure treatments does your body have to adjust to blood pressure medication why water pill for high blood pressure drugs for treatment of very high blood pressure during pregnancy can i drink grapefruit juice with high blood pressure medication can blood pressure pills make you feel cold high blood pressure medication that helps with weight loss amlodipine blood pressure drug blood pressure medication for infants varicose veins blood pressure medication life extension high blood pressure medication does tylenol interfere with blood pressure medication can i take diamox with other high blood pressure medications prestige medical blood pressure cuff calibration drugs used for high blood pressure chamomile tea and high blood pressure medication narcotics stored alongside blood pressure medications in does nutrigrove blood pressure pills work extremely low blood pressure treatment blood pressure medication for iga nephropathy blood pressure medication low side effects can i increase my blood pressure medication what is the best blood pressure medication to take drugs that cause increased blood pressure does biotin interfere with high blood pressure medication cani od on high blood pressure pills blood pressure medication that also helps with jerking blood pressure medication categories first line treatment of high blood pressure medication for low blood pressure in usa armour thyroid drug interactions blood pressure meds hepatitis c treatment high blood pressure high blood pressure arb drugs low blood pressure treatment with essential oils high blood pressure medication list for pregnancy blood pressure medication and snake venom blood pressure medication low dose liquid blood pressure medications ivf drugs and high blood pressure left my blood pressure medication does it matter when you take blood pressure medication can you take blood pressure pills twice a day privilin blood pressure medication how big are blood pressure pills once you start blood pressure medication can you stop diuretic in blood pressure medication what medication reduce blood pressure new blood pressure treatment prescribed home medications for high blood pressure blood pressure medication side effects forums taking blood pressure pills dizzy when bend over a lot blood pressure medication and nyquil cinnamon pills and high blood pressure temporary high blood pressure treatment single agent blood pressure medication blood pressure medication made in china fda approved medications to reduce blood pressure immediate treatment for high blood pressure at home best time to take blood pressure pills muscle loss on high blood pressure medication blood pressure medication when needed treat high blood pressure without medication blood pressure medication side effects for men cbd pills for high blood pressure blood pressure regulation without medication blood pressure medication and pre workout high blood pressure alzheimer disease and antihypertensive treatment miss blood pressure medication blood pressure pills suicide peaceful emergency drugs for low blood pressure common blood pressure medications in canada systolic blood pressure define medical viril and high blood pressure pills can statin drugs help lower blood pressure do you have to wean off blood pressure medication new drugs for blood pressure when is high blood pressure medication necessary drugs for hi blood pressure cold medications and blood pressure taking 2 blood pressure pills mistake why doctors stopped prescribing blood pressure medication common high blood pressure medication canada what side effects does blood pressure medication have ulcer medication high blood pressure can high blood pressure medication elevate alkaline phosphatase blood pressure medication warning getting blood pressure medication jamaica alkaline water and blood pressure medication blood pressure going up and down with medication drugs reduce systolic blood pressure treatment for rapid high blood pressure low blood pressure alternative treatment do all high blood pressure medications cause weight gain medication for increasing blood pressure blood pressure medication for african american males vitamins for high blood pressure treatment aleve with blood pressure medication how to lower blood pressure without pills blood pressure triple pill who blood pressure guidelines for hygiene treatment what drug reduces blood pressure blood pressure medications enalapril met blood pressure medication