Pakistan Test skipper in favour of playing behind closed doors

Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali would be in favour of playing cricket behind closed doors when it is safe to do so.

Cricket, like all major sports in the world, has come to a standstill because of the coronavirus pandemic around the globe.

While no dates have as yet been given on when cricket will return, Azhar said playing behind closed doors should be considered when easing the sport back in.

Speaking to reporters via video, Azhar said: "If, hopefully in the near future cricket is possible and the health of people is not compromised, I'm sure every cricketer will say we should get cricket back on, even if it is behind closed doors.

"There is no sport on TV right now that people can watch. They will be happy to get sport back on TV.

"People's health is more important, but if we can get sport going without imperiling that, I'd support it."

Pakistan were due to tour England for a Test series in May but those games are unlikely to go ahead.

Azhar says it will not be difficult for the ICC to extend the World Test Championship beyond the scheduled end of 2022 to fit in all the matches.

The Pakistan Test skipper added: "I'm sure the ICC will look at this. The Test Championship was a long competition anyway, so I don't think it would be a big deal to extend it if the series cannot be held in time; I'd support extending the Test championship."

- TEAMtalk media