The case of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma remains complicated as far as the 4-match Test series against Australia is concerned. The Sharmas are expected to miss out on at least the first two matches because of their recovery schedule and quarantine procedures. The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has now asked Cricket Australia to relax the COVID-19 quarantine norms for Rohit and Ishant.
The Indian Test team remains a depleted one, especially after the first Test in Adelaide, with skipper Virat Kohli set to head back home to be with his wife Anushka Sharma for the birth of his child. If Rohit and Ishant miss the series too, India’s chances of bringing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy home again would arguably be slim.
Trying their best to get Rohit and Ishant into the series, the BCCI and CA are looking to persuade the Australian government to relax quarantine norms for Rohit and Ishant.
“BCCI is in talks with CA, which in turn is negotiating with the Australian government about a relaxation in the quarantine rules (for the two players). If the rules are relaxed, then both Rohit and Ishant could be available for the (second) tour game,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
As per the report in IE, there are ways through which travellers can get quarantine exemptions but they are required to take certain preventive steps beforehand to apply for the exemption.
“The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recognises some other travellers should be exempt from quarantine requirements as long as they take steps to mitigate risk. These travellers must apply for a quarantine exemption in line with state and territory requirements,” read the Australian government’s health advisory.
