Survival first, then cricket: Mehedi

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz said that the players can think about playing cricket if they survive the coronavirus pandemic.

The outbreak of the deadly virus has seen all sporting activities halted till March 31. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also announced the postponement of the second round of the ongoing Dhaka Premier League (DPL), which was supposed to be held on March 18 and 19.

"First comes the matter of life and death. Nothing can be greater than this. Safety comes first and then everything else. If we can survive then obviously we can play cricket. The cricket board is there, the government is there. Obviously they will take a decision for everyone's betterment. They will take any decision, keeping everyone's safety in mind," said Mehedi at the BCB Academy ground today.

Mehedi's services have been secured by Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity for this DPL. And although all the official practice for the DPL has stopped, a few players are continuing their individual practice at the BCB Academy ground. However, even among players who came to practice in Mirpur today, the main topic of discussion has been about how to stay safe during this outbreak.    

 "I am really worried now. I was not scared initially. And I don't know what to do. If the league [DPL] was not about to resume then I would have left for Sylhet. But now I cannot leave and don't know what to do as I stay here," said right-arm pacer Abu Jayed before leaving practice today.

The BCB is yet to announce the resumption date of the DPL and according to recent developments, it seems unlikely that the league will start anytime soon. The board is supposed to give an update about the DPL after monitoring the situation tomorrow.