London, Apr 30 (IANS): Senior England pacer Stuart Broad feels it will take time for cricket to resume even as there is talk of the game being held behind closed doors to counter the threat of COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's strange for players. It does still feel a long way away from getting back to playing cricket," Broad told the ‘BBC'.

The 33-year-old Test ace said he is confident that safety won't be compromised at any cost.

"One thing is for sure the sport won't take any risks. We will only be back playing live cricket when it has been deemed safe to do so by the government," Broad said.

"I think that would be behind closed doors and players and management staff would be in a close environment.

"There has been talks about playing in grounds with hotels built in them so you don't have to leave and move too far. Obviously we will be shining the ball and there will be contact quite naturally," he added.

Broad added that players should continue with their own fitness and be ready for action whenever it comes.

"But we just have to make sure we are doing everything we can right now as players and dont delay playing due to fitness reasons once we are told to play," he said.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended all forms of professional cricket till July 1.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has said The Hundred should be postponed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has hit the entire world.

He stated the inaugural edition of the 100-ball tournament should be played when there are no problems around the world.