Stakeholders will have to compromise to rebuild cricket, says Finch

Australia’s limited-overs captain Aaron Finch believes cricket boards across the world will have to compromise and make “one big effort” to get the sport back on track.

Australia's limited-overs captain Aaron Finch during a training session in Rajkot.

Australia’s limited-overs captain Aaron Finch believes cricket boards across the world will have to compromise and make “one big effort” to get the sport back on track following the coronavirus hiatus.

There are speculations that the 13th IPL, which was suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, might be conducted in October-November at the expense of the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Finch, who is on the board of Australian players’ union, said it is not only about the IPL and all stakeholders have to make compromises to get cricket back on the track.

 

“It will get to a point, not just for IPL but for all cricket, there’ll be a compromise from a lot of different stakeholders — organisations, countries, players, the ICC — to get cricket back and countries thriving again,” Finch was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

“I think the ICC are meeting next week to start discussing the FTP (Future Tours Program) again. The next couple of weeks we’ll have more idea what that looks like, what compromises will be made for different tournaments and countries.”

Stakes are high for Australia as India is also scheduled to tour Down Under for a Test and ODI series with USD 300 million riding on it.

Former Australian skipper Allan Border felt IPL should not get precedent over the T20 World Cup, while ex-captain Ian Chappell said the top cricketers of the country need to snub the cash-rich league and choose the domestic competition like the Sheffield Shield and the One-Day Cup.

Finch said things always won’t be in favour of Australia but compromises will have to be made.

“Everyone working together to get the best result for everyone... Some situations where it’s not ideal for Australia we have to compromise and give. It will be one big effort, I think,” the 33-year-old said.

“With India coming out here this summer, Kevin Roberts (CA CEO Roberts) said it was a nine out of 10 (chance). I think there will be give and take in a lot of different things like that.”

 

Australia is likely to resume cricket with a limited-over series in England after the Bangladesh Test tour was postponed due to the global health crisis.

England has been one of the most affected countries with over 36,000 COVID-19 deaths.

However, Finch said he has no concerns about playing in the UK as they would be staying in a bio-secure environment and would be able to train during the 14-day quarantine period.

“I’d be super excited to get any cricket back — if it’s international cricket all the better,” Finch said.

“If it’s done really well with the quarantine bubble and regular testing, I don’t see it being an issue. I’d be keen to get back playing as soon as possible.”