Cricket West Indies (CWI) has given its approval in principle for a test series in England, the body said on Friday, reports Reuters.
West Indies had been scheduled to visit England for three tests in June but the tour was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is now looking at hosting the series in July.
“CWI received and reviewed detailed plans for players and staff to be kept in a bio-secure environment for the duration of the tour, with all matches being played ‘behind closed doors’,” it said in a statement on Friday.
The CWI statement said it would seek permission from the various national governments in the Caribbean to facilitate the movement of players and support staff.
It would also use private charter planes and conduct medical screenings and COVID-19 testing for all members of the touring party.
The CWI added that it would continue to fine-tune arrangements with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), whilst they await final UK Government approval of their plans.
Britain’s Sun newspaper reported on Friday the ECB had come to an agreement with government ministers for the tour to take place.
Meanwhile, also said it will halve salaries for staff and players for up to six months as it struggles to deal with the “debilitating economic challenges” caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
International professional cricket remains suspended due to the virus, plunging cricket boards into financial crisis with no clear pathway in sight back to the normal state of play.
CWI said it had delayed the 50% salary cut for staff, players, umpires and coaches, to take effect from July 1, as long as possible and hoped the temporary measure would not last more than three to six months.