The Indian Premier League (IPL), which was suspended in May 2021 in India amid the new virus strain, is now set to take place in the UAE. The remaining tournament, will be held in the UAE from September 19 till October 15. The season will kick off with a nail-biting clash between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings on September 19. The remainder of the 14th IPL season will now be played in Dubai and we simply can’t keep calm!
With the IPL fast approaching, authorities have put in place stringent measures to ensure safety of the teams. Totally, fourteen bio bubbles have been created. Eight bubbles will be dedicated to the teams, three for the umpires and three for the broadcasting team and commentators.
Besides, a whole lot of other new rules have also been put in place. Here are five new rules all IPL teams and their families must follow.
1. Players And Their Families Will Remain In Bio Bubble
Earlier, it was necessary for only players to stay in the bio bubble. However, as per the new rule all players as well as their family members must remain in the bio bubble. In addition, the owners of the teams must also remain in bio bubble. They will be permitted to leave the bubble only if absolutely necessary. Besides, permission must be taken from the BCCI’s Chief Medical Officer to exit the bubble.
2. Territory Of The Hotel Where The Team Stays Will Be Sealed Off
This time, the officials have gone a step further in taking precautions. In order to stop players from mingling with anyone at the hotel and stay safe, BCCI has requested teams to try and book the entire hotel for themselves. In case, this is not possible, the entire wing of the hotel where the team stays will be sealed off completely. This way, there will be very minimal physical interaction with people from outside.
3. Bio Bubble Will Have Assigned Managers
In order to ensure there is no violation of rules in the bio bubbles, each team will have a four-member team of ‘Bubble Integrity Managers’ who will keep a close watch on players and their families.
4. Separate Check-In Counters For Players
All players will have separate check-in counters at the hotels, in order to ensure social distancing and safety.
5. Players Should Undergo Three PCR Tests
Firstly, all players must undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR test, 72 hours before their scheduled flight. Under unforeseen circumstances, players will be permitted to step out of the bubble. However, re-entry into the bubble will be possible only completing 6 full days quarantine. Besides, players will also have to undergo 3 RT-PCR tests on day 2,4 and 6 prior to re-entering the bubble.