Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced some new rules for the second leg of IPL 2021. BCCI recently issued a 46-page health advisory for teams ahead of the second phase of IPL in the UAE. According to the advisory, 14 bio bubbles- 8 for franchises, 3 for match officials, and 3 for commentators & crew, will be created. All franchises will have to quarantine for six days before entering the bubble. Check out the 10 revised rules which have been introduced to ensure complete safety of the players.
Rule 1: New ball to replace old ball when it goes into the stands
According to InsideSport, the BCCI has mentioned in the latest advisory that if the ball goes into stands then it will be replaced. Meanwhile, the original ball after being recovered, will be sanitized and placed in the ball library.
This rule will come into effect because there is a possibility of the ball being touched by the spectators who throw the ball back. Fans are likely to be allowed for IPL 2021 Phase 2 in UAE. However, a decision has not yet been taken on the same.
Rule 2: Saliva Ban continues
The ban on applying saliva to shine the cricket ball will be continued in the remainder of IPL 2021. If a player violates the rule he will receive a warning from the on-field umpires. A repeated violation of the rule will result in a 5-run penalty in worst case, after a bit of leniency at the start of the tournament.
Rule 3: No contact tracing bands, Bubble Integrity Officers to take role
Moreover, BCCI has taken a call to do away with the wearing of contact tracing bands in the remainder of IPL 2021. The sources inform that feeding information on the bands becomes cumbersome at times and the device does not track players properly in some cases. It is reported that the Bubble Integrity Officers will keep the track of players’ movement and will act accordingly if any positive case comes up.
Rule 4: Mandatory COVID-19 RT-PCR test
All the franchise team members should undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR test. They must test negative 72 hours ahead of their scheduled flight for UAE. All the players need to undergo a mandatory quarantine of 6 days at the team hotel before entering the bubble.
Rule 5: Family members to face disciplinary action in case of breach
The BCCI has issued an advisory that has fresh protocols for the second leg of IPL in the UAE. One of these protocols include disciplinary action against bio-bubble breaches. “Breach of any Bio-Secure Environment protocols by franchise members or their families will be subject to disciplinary action by the BCCI,” said a BCCI official.
Rule 6: Players can leave the bio-secure bubble in unavoidable circumstances
The franchise team members and players can leave the bio-secure bubble only under unavoidable circumstances. Re-entry to the bubble will also require the same quarantine period of 6 days. Meanwhile, their samples must test negative for days 2, 4 and 6.
Rule 7: Green corridors to be created
Green corridors will be created to avoid contact with any individuals outside the bio-bubble. The only exception will be if someone with a medical emergency needs to visit the hospital.
Rule 8: Media will not have access to stadiums
The general public including media persons will not have access to the bubbles facilities as well as stadiums for any activities.
Rule 9: Bubble-to-bubble transfer
Players and team support staff will be able to join the IPL franchise only via bubble-to-bubble transfer. Players coming from different tours like India vs England series, Sri Lanka vs South Africa series, and CPL 2021 might be allowed inside the bubble without serving a mandatory quarantine period.
Rule 10: Drivers to also stay in bio-bubble
To ensure complete safety of the players, even the drivers of the team buses and other vehicles will stay in a bio-secure bubble. They will be tested regularly and also undergo temperature screening.
Notably, the second leg starts from September 19 with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Dubai will host the final on October 15. Interestingly, IPL 2020 also started on September 19 last year with a match between MI and CSK. A total of 31 matches will be played from September 19 to October 15 in IPL 2021 phase 2, including play-offs and final.