Cricket Australia on Tuesday asserted that the absence of star India skipper Virat Kohli for a major part of the marquee Test series will not affect the home board financially but admitted the upcoming rubber is of “great importance” to world cricket. CA turned out to be one of the worst affected cricket boards due to the coronavirus pandemic that forced it to lay off a number of employees and cut down salaries of staffers.
The high-profile series, starting December 17, is expected to stabilise the stream of revenue but with Kohli going back after the opener in Adelaide for the birth of his first child, there have been doubts that it could affect the host nation’s cricket board.
“We absolutely respect Virat’s decision. We are delighted that he will captain the side in each of the ODIs and the T20s and the first Test,” CA’s interim chief executive officer Nick Hockley said during a chat facilitated by the official broadcaster.
“Virat leading the side here brings competitive leadership that we have seen during the last series and we have been accustomed to watching (that) during India’s performances all around the world. (But) no, nothing will have financial bearing.”
“This series is of great importance to world cricket and Australian cricket. It’s a testament to all cricketing nations that we could get international cricket up and running in a safe way. The series will be played in front of large crowds.”
