Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The second phase of IPL 2021 is set to take place from September 19 to October 15 in UAE. With 31 matches remaining in the season, a full-fledged plan has been created by BCCI to ensure the smooth flow of operations amid the ongoing pandemic. A 46-page health advisory has been issued by the board on August 6, Friday which lays out detailed instructions for the players, franchises and organizers.
The board also confirmed that bubble to bubble transfers will be allowed in IPL 2021 provided the mentioned criteria (in the advisory) is fulfilled. This would mean that the players from England vs India series, Sri Lanka vs South Africa series and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) would be allowed to directly join their respective franchise squads without undergoing a mandatory quarantine period. The same rule will also be applicable to all the commentators and crew members working on the mentioned series.
BCCI lays out plan of action for IPL 2021
It has been stated in the advisory that a total of 14 bubbles will be created in the bio-secure environment in UAE in the following format:
- 8 bubbles for all the franchises
- 3 bubbles for match officials and match management team
- 3 bubbles for broadcast commentators and crew
The instructions for people within the bio-bubble has also been clearly highlighted in the advisory as it states, "During the IPL 2021, members within a Bubble must travel only in the dedicated vehicles from a fleet of buses and cars accredited by BCCI, which will be sanitized regularly. The drivers of all such vehicles will also be in the respective Bubbles, tested regularly for COVID-19 and undergo temperature screening."
Breach of bio-bubble will not be tolerated by BCCI
The governing body has also confirmed that all franchise team members will be required to quarantine in their hotel room for 6 full days before entering the bubble. "Upon arrival and before commencing any group training activities, all team members who will be included in the Bubble will follow the below mentioned COVID-19 RT-PCR testing plan. A nasopharyngeal swab will be taken for testing. Test reports are available within 8-12 hours after sample collection," as stated in the advisory.
BCCI also pointed out that breach of any bio-secure environment protocols by franchise members or their families could result in a strict disciplinary action by the board.