Top cricketers send an important message on Covid-19 

Dubai - Players urge people to stay safe and fight the virus together

Top international cricketers from around the world have appealed to the public in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and urged them to follow the guidelines issued by the health authorities in their respective countries.
Cricket, like most other sporting disciplines has ground to a halt with bilateral series as well as franchise-based leagues postponed.
With cricketers enjoying iconic status, especially in the subcontinent, some of the top players have taken to social media to send a message.
"As citizens, we have to act responsibly. We could follow simple steps to keep the Coronavirus at bay. It is my request to everyone to follow basic guidelines to try our best to ensure we all stay safe," Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar said in a video posted on twitter.
West Indian batting legend Brian Lara too posted a video and said while he washed his hands: "From a very early age, I was told that my worst enemy was myself. Stay positive, fight those negative thoughts away and all will be fine. You are your worst enemy. Before you touch your face, always wash your hands. This is not just going to benefit you but everyone around you. Let's fight Covid-19 together. Take care."
And while current Australian Test captain Tim Paine and former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum said that the world will overcome this, Indian off-spinner R Ashwin urged people to be responsible towards the society.
"Thoughts with all those around the world right now. Sport will rise again in time but for now it's about everyone staying safe and finding a way through. Medically and economically we are being challenged more than our generation has ever been before but we will find a way," tweeted McCullum.
"This is bigger than us, this is bigger than the game of cricket. It is something that needs to be taken very seriously. I hope we are all back playing the game that we love and going about our lives the way we want to as soon as possible. But, in the meantime, please take care of yourselves, take care of others and let's ride this out together. All the best," Paine said in a video.
"The planet is challenging the human race, asking us if we can be responsible towards the society, it's asking us if we can be honest and confine ourselves for another person's sake. Some very difficult questions to answer. Stay safe and answer the questions," said Ashwin.
Earlier, Indian captain Virat Kohli had tweeted: Let's stay strong and fight the #COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care everyone."
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez urged people to stop spreading rumours. "Humble request to all plz Stop spreading Rumours about #Corona, Stop blaming others & Follow the precautions & Stay safe," he tweeted.
james@khaleejtimes.com