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On Monday, one of the most iconic commentators of the Indian cricket community, Harsha Bhogle referred to the coronavirus as “the Chinese virus” while talking about it has now gotten to several members of the England cricket team, while suggesting stronger bio-bubble protocol for the matches to take place from now on. It doesn't look like it is going anywhere. The Chinese virus has now infiltrated the England cricket team. The bubbles will get more stringent. I guess there is no other option — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 6, 2021 “It doesn't look like it is going anywhere. The Chinese virus has now infiltrated the England cricket team. The bubbles will get more stringent. I guess there is no other option,” the ‘Voice of Indian cricket’ wrote from his official Twitter handle. And even though Bhogle’s recommendation for stringent bubble laws was well-received, it was the part where he called the pandemic a Chinese virus which led to a clear division between his followers. While many appreciated the 59-year old’s boldness and courage, others simply suggested that it was an unnecessary, controversial statement which could have been avoided. Haha many are appreciating that u have mentioned "Chinese virus", but I didn't expect this from you, sir. It may or can be avoided. 🏻🏻 — विNoத் (@Vinothvk18N) July 6, 2021Exactly!! It is Chinese Virus only..thanks to @bhogleharsha for showing courage. It is universal truth and there should be no fear in calling it #chinesevirus https://t.co/BU4ru1D6fP — Anil Bhatt (@anilbha2019) July 7, 2021Calling it the chinese virus has caused racially motivated attacks against people that look chinese. This is part of the reason why the Indian variant became the delta variant. To protect Indians abroad. There is no harm in calling it the corona virus. — Mohammed Fuadh (@Mohamed_Fuadh96) July 6, 2021Very Well Said Sir @bhogleharsha #WuhanVirus #Chinesevirus https://t.co/5RknKlU7bY — Manish Rajpurohit 🇮🇳 (@ImManishRp) July 6, 2021@bhogleharsha Virus doesn't have nationalities. A reason they are given naming conventions by Scientists. The variant at peak in the UK is an "Indian" variant, but it's called Delta now, and rightly so. You might want to correct yourself. — mamamia (@intoxic81) July 6, 2021Wow just look in the Comment section so much love for China. Well the Virus came from Wuhan which is in China, so what is wrong saying the Covid 19 a China Virus??? https://t.co/HQh0xyPtrs — Vegeta1991🇮🇳 (@mandal8_mandal) July 7, 2021The argument remains about the fact that since the COVID-19 virus first originated in Chinese city of Wuhan, it could also be known as the “Chinese Virus”. However, many have countered by talking about how adding a nationality to something as devastating as this pandemic has led to physical and mental assault of the Chinese community overseas. As far as the England squad is concerned, seven members of the England squad (three players and four staff members) were confirmed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus ahead of the ODI series against Pakistan. Consequently, every team member of the squad has been mandated to practice self-isolation, rendering them out, at least for the first couple of matches of the series. The Royal London ODIs and the Vitality IT20s against Pakistan will go ahead. Ben Stokes will return to England duties and captain the squad – which will be named in the next few hours. pic.twitter.com/LH3mBm8wOz — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 6, 2021 As a back-up, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had to build up a completely new and inexperienced squad of inexperienced players in order to go ahead with their three-ODI commitment against the touring Pakistani squad which starts from Thursday. "Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to captain," ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said. Stokes will be making a return to national duties and will be leading this team of new players from the front. View the full article