‘Nothing will have financial bearing’: CA on Virat Kohli’s absence after first Test in Australia

BCCI and Cricket Australia did have discussions regarding Virat Kohli’s decision to fly back home after the first Test for the birth of his first child and whether it was possible to ease the quarantine norms to allow Kohli back at least for the last Test match, confirmed CA interim chief executive officer Nick Hockley.

Asked if CA and BCCI have at any point discussed the easing of quarantine rules for Kohli’s return, Hockley said,”Quarantine arrangements are well described. In relation to Virat Kohli’s plans close to first Test, we have made discussions.”

“We absolutely respect Virat’s decision. We are delighted that he will captain the side in each of the ODIs and the T20s and the first Test,” Hockley said during a chat facilitated by official broadcaster Sony.

CA turned out to be one of the worst affected cricket boards due to the coronavirus pandemic that forced it to lay off a number of employees and cut down salaries of staffers.

The high-profile Test series, starting December 17, is expected to stabilise the stream of revenue but with Kohli going back after the opener in Adelaide for the birth of his first child, there have been doubts that it could affect the host nation’s cricket board. Hockley , however, confirmed that Kohli’s absence won’t have much affect on the finances of CA.

“Virat leading the side here brings competitive leadership that we have seen during the last series and we have been accustomed to watching (that) during India’s performances all around the world. (But) no, nothing will have financial bearing.”

“This series is of great importance to world cricket and Australian cricket. It’s a testament to all cricketing nations that we could get international cricket up and running in a safe way. The series will be played in front of large crowds.” Hockley ruled out the possibility of hosting a full series of day night Tests in near future but said the December 17-21 pink-ball opener has gripped the fans.

“What I can say is that day/night test over last 3-4 seasons has become a much-loved feature of the Australia summer. The anticipation and excitement around this first ever day/night Test against India has taken to a different level, given the rivalry.

“At this stage we have not contemplated on a full day/night series but certainly Adelaide has become the home of first day night test in Australia. There is history there. We expect the Australian and Indian fans to travel for what will be a historic match.”

The CA chief executive also assured that the Adelaide Test will be played as scheduled. “We have been working very closely with the South Australian government and at this stage we have been given assurance that (COVID-19 cases) have been contained.

“The lockdown they were under, finished last saturday. So we are confident that Adelaide Test will go ahead as scheduled.”

(With PTI inputs)