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This is not the first time we have heard players complaining about quarantine, bio-bubble protocols and regulations. Ireland Skipper, Andrew Balbirnie revealed that his team has been forced to stay in hotels since their arrival in the United Arab Emirates for the T20 World Cup (UAE). The Irish players have already undergone two Covid-19 tests after landing in Dubai yet they aren’t allowed to leave their hotel.
When asked about Ireland's preparations for the T20 World Cup and the tight bio bubble protocols, Balbirnie told Sports Tak during a virtual press conference that the team's fitness training has been limited to riding exercise bikes or using a treadmill in their hotel balconies over the past week.
Earlier in January, they only had to quarantine for three days, but now they must quarantine for six days, which is significantly longer. The players are keeping themselves entertained by watching the ongoing season of Indian Premier League (IPL) and other sports, until they are allowed to begin practicing for the T20 World Cup from Friday onwards.
2014 defeat “one of the lowest points” for Irish cricketers
Ireland are all set to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Netherland on October 18. A dominant Dutch side had chased down the target of 190 runs in just 13.5 overs to end Ireland's hopes in the 2014 edition of the mega event.
When asked about how he fancies his team’s chances this time and whether the memories of 2014 World Cup’s defeat are still fresh, Balbirnie jokingly said, “I wasn’t the part of that squad but I remember watching that historical game on television, where initially Irish team had an edge over them (Dutch) but the way Dutch had chased down, everyone who was coming to bat was scoring quickly and freely and as a neutral cricket fan it was an amazing thing to watch but on the other hand the guys who were a part of the Irish team that time had one of the lowest points as a cricketer.”
We were throwing bean bags against the wall
"We were given bean bags and we threw them against the wall 30 or 40 times. That's as close to cricket as we get in quarantine. In terms of food, you get a knock on the door with a brown bag three times a day. There is a menu but hopefully, this is the last night of the brown paper dinners,” Balbirnie revealed during the virtual launch of Ireland's T20 World Cup jersey.
"Once we're finished quarantine we can only mix with each other. It doesn't make sense to me. I don't think it ever will but I don't make the rules," the 30-year-old added.
Despite all these restrictions, the Irish captain said that his team's morale is quite high and they are prepared for the forthcoming World Cup.
"Guys have been really good with their attitude and their discipline. It's kind of made us really appreciate how lucky we are when we get to go out and play cricket," the 30-year-old said.
