Cricket: "SO BE IT", says Ben Stokes who is okay with Cricket being played in empty stands.

The world of sports is set to lose millions due to the pandemic, and intense discussions in each sport are taking place to decide the future of it. There is a debate as to should the games continue without fans behind closed doors or should the sporting world wait until the situation gets back to normal? 

The debate is also raging in the cricketing community, and England's premier all-rounder has stated that he'd be okay with International Cricket becoming a 'TV only sport' till the pandemic is under control. Stokes voiced his opinion after being asked on whether the forthcoming England v West Indies series be played in empty stands or not. He is of the belief that the competitiveness element won't be lost with or without fans.

Stokes in a chat with BBC Radio 5 Live said, "I don't think so. Think about it we're walking out to represent our country, three lions on our chest and there is a game that we are supposed to win. So whether it is in front of nobody or like we're used to in front of a crowd, I don't think it is going to take away the competitive side."  

However, Stokes conceded that it'd take some time to get used to the empty stands after regularly competing having the fans on their side. "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." admitted the 28-year-old Stokes. For the moment Cricket on TV is the logical option and that health & safety of everyone is of the most priority. "

At the end of the day, Cricket is just a sport and it's the safety, health and well-being of everybody involved, not just in the team but around cricket community is important right now," said Ben Stokes who has played 63 Tests, 95 ODIs and 26 T20s for England.