Cricket Association of Pondicherry to conduct selections from September 16

On Wednesday (September 9), the Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) announced the resumption of cricketing activities within the state, thus becoming the first Indian state association to 'return to action' amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Having received due permissions from the government, CAP will conduct selections for both the men's and women's teams across age groups, beginning on September 16. This will be followed by a preparatory camp, the Times of India reported.



"Dept of Sports and Youth services of the the Government of Puducherry has given the permission to conduct selection trials, cricket matches subject to strictly following the health and safety protocols of the Ministry of Home Affairs," a statement from CAP read.



Meanwhile, across the border, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) are still in search of clarity. Since the government have not yet issued any Standard Operating Procedures, the resumption of activity is not being discussed.



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RS Ramaswamy, secretary of TNCA, informed TOI that once the SOPs were issued by the government, TNCA would require time to "get the grounds ready" before announcing anything. This will also allow players enough time to become "match-fit", he said.



CAP aside, no state association has given their players any clarity on when activities are likely to resume. While small groups of players in Gujarat and Vidarbha have started training, most state boards are waiting on the BCCI to announce their plan for the domestic season.



With the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continuing to rise rapidly, the BCCI have been preparing contingency plans for the season with several possibilities being discussed.