IPL 2021: BCCI issues bio-bubble protocols (Read details)
The Indian Premier League 2021 will be the 14th edition of the profitable Twenty20 tournament. While the 2020 edition was held in the United Arab Emirates, it would be held in India this term. Owing to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, strict bio-bubble norms would be in place.
FollowThe 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League will be the 14th edition of the cash-rich Twenty20 tournament. After being held in the United Arab Emirates last year, it would be held in India this term.
Owing to the restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the matches would be held across six venues, with no team having the home advantage this season. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has come up with details regarding the bio-bubble measures and COVID protocols to be followed during the tournament.
There would be 12 bubbles in place, with eight being dedicated to the franchise. As for the remaining four, two would be for the match officials and a couple for the broadcasters, reports ESPNCricinfo.
Seven-day mandatory quarantine
The ones arriving in the bubble for the first time will have to undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine in the hotel room, while testings will be done on the second, fifth and seventh day. Only after negative results he/she would be allowed to come out of quarantine. At the same time, post-quarantine, everyone would be tested twice a week on the second week, followed by every fifth day until the tournament conclusion.
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No quarantine for India-England players
Meanwhile, the players involved in the ongoing series between India and England would be exempted from quarantine and rigorous testing, provided they use travel measures set up by the BCCI as a part of the bubble transfer. It would also be the same for overseas players who are coming from another bubble. However, provided it's none of the above, the mandatory seven-day quarantine will have to be adhered to.
Ten-day quarantine for a positive test
Meanwhile, if a player tests positive for COVID, he will have to serve a ten-day quarantine at a separate facility inside the bubble. "During the 10-days isolation, the individual will be tested on day nine and day 10. Two consecutive negative RT-PCR test results taken 24 hours apart, full resolution of symptoms, no fresh symptoms for more than 24 hours and no use of medications for more than 24 hours are mandatory for re-entry into the bio-secure environment. To account for any false positive tests due to historical infections, serology tests and repeat RT-PCR tests may be conducted," a statement from the IPL read.
No vaccination
As far as vaccination is concerned, none of the Indians would be vaccinated since the special dispensation for athletes is yet to arrive from the Indian government. Furthermore, even if a player has vaccinated himself, he would still have to adhere to the COVID and bubble guidelines.
Strict rules to be followed
Meanwhile, the BCCI would also be appointing a four-member security staff as bubble integrity managers. Their solitary job would be to monitor the bubble and report for any breaches in the protocol to the chief medical officer of the BCCI.
