Zaheer Khan believes that the new normal procedures for cricketers will not be very difficult and it is just a matter of getting used to it. Routines include quarantine, bio-secure camps, hand hygiene, regular temperature checks and ban of saliva to shine the ball.
He acknowledged that the last part of the protocols is the only one which is a bit bothering. “I wouldn’t say it will be difficult as such, just a matter of getting used to a new routine. Preparation routines are going to change and you have to keep up with that. Feels good to be back and out on the field again,” he said talking about the IPL beginning on 19th September.
🗣️ | @ImZaheer talks about being game ready amidst the new protocols.#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/8xjomAlcAt
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 10, 2020
“We have to be careful of getting used to not using saliva but old habits just creeps in as bowlers. We have to be mindful of that,” he added. Mumbai Indians has provided each player with a zip bag in which he is required to keep his training balls to ensure that health safety protocol is adhered to.
“When you are a professional athlete you have to find a way of keeping that mental space which you would like to be in. It varies individually and one has to own that individual space,” Zaheer said on a twitter video message posted by the Mumbai Indians. MI along with Kolkata Knight Riders are the two teams who are based in Abu Dhabi whereas all the other teams are in Dubai. The defending champions will play the opening match against the last year finalists Chennai Super Kings on 19th September in Dubai.
