After a seven-month pause, cricket activities will resume in Chaibasa, the district headquarters of West Singhbhum, on November 6.
With the COVID-related situation showing signs of improvement, West Singhbhum District Cricket Association (WSDCA) has decided to conduct the local ‘A division’ and ‘B division’ one-day tournaments at Birsa Munda Cricket Stadium in Chaibasa.
The ‘B division’ matches will be held from November 6 to December 13 and encounter in the ‘A division’ is scheduled between December 14 to December 27.
“The tournament will be conducted as per COVID-related guidelines of the state government. We have already obtained permission from the district administration. The stadium has already been decked up for the hassle-free conduct of the matches,” said WSDCA secretary Aseem Kumar Singh.
Speaking over the phone from Chaibasa, Singh also added that 15 players and two officials from each participating team will be allowed entry to the stadium. “Moreover, two umpires, one scorer and selectors will also be allowed entry. Those entering the stadium will have to go through thermal screening at the entry gate. The matches will be held sans spectators,” Singh
According to him, they have issued identity cards to players, team officials, umpires, scorers and selectors without which they will not be allowed to enter the stadium.
‘A division’ matches will be spread over 35 overs while 30 overs will be bowled in the ‘B division’. Prize distribution of both the divisions will be held on December 27.
Singh stated that they had discussed the tournaments at the management committee meeting last month which was subsequently approved at the annual general meeting. “Before going ahead with the tournament, we had consulted the district administration and promised to strictly adhere to the COVID-related protocols of the state government,” the WSDCA secretary said.
West Singhbhum is the first district in Jharkhand to resume its cricket programs after the pandemic had put a stop to all sports activities across the state. Other affiliated district units of Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) are yet to resume cricket activities.
