Chetan Sharma Reckons Sweat And Saliva's Contact With The Ball Is Unavoidable
Updated - 17 May 2020, 09:59 PM
Former Indian fast bowler Chetan Sharma has shared his opinions on the possibility of the prohibition of saliva and sweat for shining the ball. Of all the safety measures proffered for cricket post-COVID-19, the aforementioned step is the most that came under discussion. While it remains uncertain when sport would resume, it is indeed evident that once it does, plenty of safety standards will be put in place.
The Coronavirus is one of the most devastating pandemics to emerge in recent times. The disease can easily spread through a person’s droplets of sweat and saliva and if touched other surfaces without washing hands, multiple people can get affected. In light of this, the ball used in the game remains most at risk. Australian pacer Pat Cummins himself said that if both the substances cannot be applied on the ball, then resumption of the sport is futile.
But Chetan Sharma feels that the contact of sweat or saliva would be unavoidable. The retired seamer believes that both the elements will come in connection with the ball in some way or the other. The 54-year old went on to say that if a player is spending six or more hours on the field, it is somehow impossible to stay without licking their lips or wipe their faces. He admitted that any substitute for sweat and saliva would only mean to legalise ball-tampering, which is in itself illegal.
“If the usage of artificial substances are made legal then what happened to all the debate we have had over the years on ball-tampering. Moreover, if a player is spending around six hours a day in the middle, just observe the number of times they lick their lips. There is no chance that they won’t lick their lips or wipe their faces with their hands when they are out there for that long.” Chetan Sharma said as quoted by Times of India.
Chetan Sharma condones quarantine measures to be implemented before or during the match and series:
Furthermore, Chetan Sharma said that it is improbable to prevent body fluids to get in contact with the ball. Hence, proper isolation and testing steps must be in place. The Ludhiana-born mentioned that only if the player is 100% fit, should he play. If there is a chance of even a minimum risk, then that athlete should stay out.
“So whether you put saliva on the ball or not your germs are going on it anyhow. So, if they are stopping this practice to ensure that your germs don’t reach the ball, they have failed right there because the body fluids will reach the ball in some way or the other. You can’t tell the players that they can’t wipe the sweat off their faces or bodies.
Quarantine the players for 14 days, test them. After that, if you feel that the player is 100 per cent risk-free, you allow them to play. If there is even a minor risk, the player should not play.” the retired speedster added.
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