Relief for the cricketers ahead of Sri Lanka series

Since the onset of the pandemic late in 2019, the cricketing world have adjusted to the protocols suggested by health officials to curb the spread of the virus during international series and Bangladesh have been no different in that regard.

The tough isolation periods and quarantine protocols have had an impact on cricketers' mental health and efforts are being made to reduce the stress from such isolation and Covid-19 protocols. The likes of Shakib Al Hasan have previously talked about the difficulty of that isolation during pandemic times but there will be some relief for the players as Bangladesh gear up for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka at home.

The previous series at home against Afghanistan was held with Managed (MEE) protocols which was a more relaxed version of the bio-bubble protocols during pandemic times. The ICC T20 World Cup 2021, hosted by India and played in the UAE and Oman was held under MEE protocols too. The relief for the Bangladesh players this time around would come in the form of there being no bio-bubble restrictions.

Asked about the bio-bubble arrangements for the upcoming Sri Lanka series, BCB physician Monzur Hossain said: "There will be no such bio-bubble for the Sri Lanka series. We will undertake Covid-19 tests and that's about it."

The Bangladesh team's recent tour of South Africa was held under a similar process where the cricketers were tested and the physios and medical staff checked up on their health regularly.

"We will tell the players to wear masks and to avoid overcrowded areas. If they do go into overcrowded areas we will suggest they maintain health protocols. They will have no restrictions in terms of going out of hotel and moving freely," Monzur informed.

Being away from families during the pandemic had made cricketers' life difficult due to the compact scheduling of domestic and international assignments. With the improving status of Covid-19 scenario in the country, the new normal will feel more normal as the situation had been before the pandemic.

Bangladesh meanwhile would start their camp on May 9 at Chattogram with the team set to depart for the port city on the evening of May 8. The Sri Lanka team are also expected in the country on May 8. The visitors will play a two-day practice game on May 11 at BKSP. The first Test is slated for May 15 at Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.