Inspection team satisfied, WI series just a step away
After visiting both Dhaka and Chattogram, the CWI director expressed his satisfaction.
A two-member West Indies inspection team arrived in Dhaka on November 28 to visit the venues that are supposed to host the upcoming series between Bangladesh and West Indies. The two delegates are- Akshai Mansingh, director of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Paul Slowe, head of its security.
Mansingh mentioned that The West Indies have been involved in the return of international cricket by taking part in the first series post-Covid, when they toured England. West Indies Women's team was the first international female cricket team to undertake a tour, when they went to England. CWI also hosted the first multi-country T20 league in the Caribbean Premier League, adopting all the protocols.
After visiting both Dhaka and Chattogram, the CWI director expressed his satisfaction. "I have to say that the protocols that were described to us by the BCB, were very, very well thought-out. The fact that there has been three competitions, prior to our coming and one going on now obviously, they are well practiced. We are very happy with what we saw in Dhaka and Chattogram. The facilities are excellent. The Covid protocols are concise and tight. The national approach, both in the hotels and hospitals that we visited, comply with all international standards recommended for Covid-19," he said.
Mansingh stated that the medical facilities here are as good as anywhere in the world: "From a medical point of view, we are very happy and we now have to present our findings to the board of directors of CWI. I am very confident that we saw is probably as good an arrangement as you can have anywhere in the world."
The duration of the quarantine has not been finalised and that's why the dates are up in the air.
"Certainly for the first three days, we suggest in-room quarantine. After the third day, we do a second test. After that is negative, we would like to do some practicing within our squad, but not exposing ourselves to anybody else until seven days are passed. We will have inter-squad practice and activities. After Day 7, the recommendation is that we should have net sessions with Bangladeshi players," said Mansingh.
Paul Slowe, the security head of CWI, echoed Mansingh's words. "I am happy to say that what I have seen in the security plans and all the protocols, that were presented, are very satisfactory. I have no doubt if those plans were to unfold as written and discussed, then there should be no untoward incidents. I am extremely happy with all the arrangements at the airport, hotels, practice venues, playing venues. I was in Bangladesh in 2016 for the Under-19 World Cup. I am very confident that the BCB has the capability to put out the type of arrangement that are required for an international tour," he said.
The delegates hope that the board will give green signal to the tour after going through their reports. West Indies are supposed to arrive in Bangladesh in January next year.
