The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the health and safety protocols ahead of the UAE-leg of the IPL 2021. None of the foreign players will be required to undergo quarantine before joining the league for the remaining matches. However, the franchise members and the family of players could be reprimanded for breaching the bio-bubble protocols.
The remaining matches of the IPL 2021 will be played in the UAE from September 19 with Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings to resume to the league.
The league got postponed after multiple Covid-19 positive cases arrived in the bio-bubble of the league. Hence, BCCI decided the inevitable by suspending the league midway in early May.
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“Breach of any Bio-Secure Environment protocols by franchise members or their families will be subject to disciplinary action by the BCCI,” the governing body said in its Health and Safety protocols, a copy of which is in possession of PTI.
Players from several countries will participate in the cash-rich league.
According to the protocols, “All franchise team members must undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR test, 72 hours before their scheduled flight … All individuals must quarantine themselves and avoid contact with others after the RT-PCR test.
“All members whose RT-PCR test result is negative may travel to the franchise’s city of choice,” it stated, which means that there is no quarantine for international players.
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The document also said, “depending on the country of flight departure, all international passengers arriving at Dubai airport are required to display a negative RT-PCR test report for sample taken between 48-72 hours before their scheduled flight.
“For passengers arriving from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan, it is mandatory that the COVID-19 PCR report includes a QR code linked to the original report for verification process,” it added.
The document also laid down the process which the “franchise team members and their families would undertake” for “entering and remaining within the Bubble.”
“They may only leave the Bubble in unavoidable circumstances. However, for unscheduled visits prior permission must be sought from the BCCI Chief Medical Officer before leaving the Bubble.
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“Re-entry to the Bubble is only permitted after completing 6 full days quarantine and confirmation that all 3 results of the RT-PCR tests for samples collected on day 2,4 and 6 are negative,” stated the protocols.
The release also mentioned the scenario if anyone have to visit a hospital for any investigation.
“In exceptional circumstances, if members within a bubble are required to visit a hospital for investigation and/or treatment, green corridors will be created to avoid close contact with any individuals who are outside their Bio-Secure Bubbles,” it said.
“(A) team member and accompanying team staff must wear PPE and sanitise their hands frequently during hospital visits. In the interest of the health and safety of the other members of the team, all members must follow the prescribed guidelines in this Health and Safety document to maintain the sanctity of the Bio-Secure environment.”
