Shocked To See None Of Them Wearing A Mask- Dilip Doshi On Ravi Shastri's Book Launch

Former Indian cricketer Dilip Doshi has expressed surprise at none of the Indian team members wearing a mask during Ravi Shastri’s book launch. He stated that they should have been more aware despite the UK not having strict protocols in place.

The fifth Test between England and India was canceled after a covid outbreak in the latter’s camp. A few support staff members including Shastri returned positive results in RT-PCR tests. Many players attended Shastri’s book launch which might have been the primary cause.

“I was present at the book launch. I was actually invited by the Taj group. A lot of dignitaries and Team India players were present there for a short while. And I was shocked to see that none of them was wearing a mask. Whether the society has to wear a mask, whether it is mandatory or not is decided by the politicians.”

“Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided that England was safe enough because of the double vaccinated program and a lot of people have been vaccinated here therefore immunity is apparently high and so it was then the society is open to all avenues and they did that,” Doshi said.

Dilip Doshi feels risking IPL might have forced BCCI to pull out of the final Test

The number of days between the final Test and the second leg of the IPL 2021 beginning was just 5 days. Therefore, a covid case on the Indian team would have likely cancelled the entire league. This was never an option and the BCCI, considering Ravi Shastri’s situation, decided to play it safe, as per Dilip Doshi.

“Now with the happening of the last Test, I can understand that there were two things at stake if the IPL had to be cancelled for any reason like this that you are talking about, I read in the print, it might cost them a huge, very huge amount. And today let’s accept that the cricket game is governed by corporate rulings.”

“All the money that everybody is enjoying whether it is ECB, Australian Cricket board or anybody in the world, majority of money/funds comes from India. India is a powerhouse at the moment of cricket and we are proud of it. But, that also gives the enormous responsibility for how we carry ourselves with great dignity. Which I think is very important,” he added.

The players have been flown out to the UAE on separate charter flights by their franchises. The IPL 2021 begins on September 19, Sunday.

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