Ben Stokes does not think that the upcoming England–West Indies series would be less interesting if played in empty stadiums. In a recent interview, he also stressed the safety of public health.
While Ben Stokes voices his opinion in favour of closed-door games, in an interview with the BBC Radio 5 Live England all-rounder he said, “Yeah, completely different scenario to get our heads around that there isn’t going to be the atmosphere or cheering (of supporters) when we play international games. We would do anything to get cricket back on TVs, and people, who follow and watch. If that means playing in-front of nobody then so be it.”
He added, “We are still not hundred percent sure when that’s going to happen. Everybody’s concern at the moment is safety and well being of everybody. Players and ECB are not going to push anything until everybody is satisfied, without being having to worry about whether people are going to be exposed or put in danger to anything.”
Cricket to not lose charm
While asked about the chance of cricket losing its charm if played in the empty ground, Stokes clearly said, “I don’t think so. Think about it, we are walking out to represent our country, three lions on our chest and there is game that we are supposed to win. So whether it is in front of nobody or like we are used to in-front of full crowd, I don’t think it’s going to take that competitive side away.”
His colleague Jos Buttler also sounds okay with the idea. Buttler knows that it will be strange for professional cricketers but it will also take them back to the old days. ,” Buttler said in an interview to Lancashire Cricket, “I know that will be really strange for professional cricketers but in a funny sort of way it will take you back to what it was like when you first started. There is no one watching you and you are playing because you love the game. I know it will be different because you have experienced the other side of it but that is the most purest form of cricket, isn’t it?”
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