The International Cricket Council committee, chaired by former Indian spinner Anil Kumble, said, however, that sweat can still be used to polish the ball because medical advice shows “it is highly unlikely that the virus can be transmitted” that way.

The recommendations would be presented to the ICC’s Chief Executives’ Committee for approval in early June.

Shane Warne previously suggested using weighted balls to help pace bowlers generate swing without risking health, while Australian cricket-ball manufacturer Kookaburra says it is developing a wax applicator to enhance shine and aid swing.

The ICC committee also recommended on Monday that local match officials be appointed in the short term “given the challenges of international travel with borders being closed, limited commercial flights and mandatory quarantine periods.”

If there are no local match officials available from the “elite panel,” the best local officials from the international panel will be chosen.

Officials appointed by the ICC haven’t come from the same country as the participating teams since 2002.

An additional DRS review per team per innings is also set to be introduced in each of cricket’s formats as an interim measure.

“We are living through extraordinary times,” committee chair Kumble said.

“And the recommendations the committee have made today are interim measures to enable us to safely resume cricket in a way that preserves the essence of our game whilst protecting everyone involved.”

-AAP

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