The Indian cricket team expressed its reservations over undergoing another quarantine in Brisbane ahead of the 4th Test, triggering debate across the cricketing fraternity that also invited bashing from some former Australian cricketers, authorities as well as media. While the debate seemed to have cooled down a bit ahead of the third Test in Melbourne, a report now claims that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to issue an ultimatum to Cricket Australia over Brisbane Test quarantine.
Having successfully completed their 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Australia and followed the bio-secure bubble protocols issued by the CA, Indian players are unwilling to undergo another quarantine before the final Test of the series. The BCCI, has hence, asked CA to ensure ‘no isolation’ for the Indian team in Brisbane or conclude the series prematurely after the third Test itself.
As per a report in the Times of India, the CA itself had assured the BCCI that the players wouldn’t have to undergo any sort of quarantine post their 2-week isolation upon arrival in Australia. The local authorities at Brisbane, however, are enforcing another quarantine which the BCCI has found unacceptable.
“Now, if it’s between the mayors of Queensland or the monarchs, it’s not India’s headache. If Brisbane has rules that require the team to undergo any sort of quarantine once again, then the fourth Test has to either be held in Sydney or curtail this into a three-Test series and let the Indian team leave,” BCCI sources told TOI.
Miffed with the entire development, the BCCI is against the treatment of the Indian team as ‘caged pigeons’ who are in Australia ‘to perform and entertain’. With the guidelines in Queensland set to bind their players to their respective hotel rooms and floors, the players are petrified with the idea of being isolated once again.
“And fans are allowed? Locals are fine to do whatever they like? Then why doesn’t the team stay back in Sydney, where no such rules are applicable,” those close to the developments, said.
