Misbah wants cricket to resume soon, if needed behind closed doors

New Delhi : Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq is looking forward to easing up restrictions on cricket and want to see players playing the game which has been suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic situation.

The statement comes after reports of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) planning three-Test match series against Pakistan in August behind closed doors at Manchester Old Trafford and Southampton.

Misbah said the idea is good and there is no harm if players restart the game at international level in empty stadiums. 

"It is not an ideal situation for anyone because of this coronavirus pandemic and obviously the health and well being of everyone should be our top priority. But if matches can be held even in empty stadiums with the right safety barriers ... I would have no problems," he said.

He also mentioned that players have nothing special to do and have been stuck indoors due to the current ongoing pandemic crisis.

"Everyone is confined and I just think that if even if it can be made possible to bring some live cricket action to people sitting at home it would do them a lot of good," Misbah said.

"It becomes depressing when you have nothing to do and hear about mostly COVID-19 news all the time. In this situation, if sports can be resumed and if cricket can be started at least it will allow the people to watch cricket at home."

Misbah, who took charge last year in September, said if the right safety barriers and precautions are put in place for players, match officials and other stake holders, cricket boards can move forward.