Amidst the gloom, we hear about a club cricketer who stopped playing after a stroke from him killed a beggar child a few years ago. Another batsman’s shot resulted in a back injury to a passer-by. The facts are before us. This could happen to any kid or grown up if safety measures are not put in place. Jagdish Achrekar, until 2022, the Honorary Treasurer of the Mumbai Cricket Association, offered a few solutions. 

He says, “The two pitches on which matches are being played should be reasonably spaced ie the pitches for matches on adjoining grounds should be at the farthest distance. Umpires and captains of both matches should come to an agreement that the bowler of Match A will pause before bowling so as to enable the match B bowler to bowl his delivery. After the completion of the delivery of Match B, the Match B bowler will pause and  allow the Match A bowler to complete his delivery. Yes, a few minutes may be lost, but it can be compensated by curtailing the drinks and lunch breaks. After all, there is nothing more precious than life.” It’s time for all stakeholders of the game in the city to provide a safe environment for players and public. Action cannot wait even for a day.