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With IPL 2021 all set to start within 3 days, the Maharashtra government has allowed the teams — that are currently in Mumbai — to practice even after 8 pm despite the night curfew and a weekend lockdown in the state. Notably, the government on Sunday had announced section 144 and night curfew from 8 pm to 7 am on weekdays due to the sudden rise in the COVID-19 cases in the state, especially Mumbai - one of the venues for the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament.
The IPL-bound players, who are currently in Mumbai, can now continue their practice sessions and other field activities after 8 pm and can even travel to their hotels late at night. However, all that needs to be done with "scrupulous adherence to the bio-bubble".
Teams can travel to their hotels late at night
In a letter to the BCCI, Srirang Gholap, undersecretary of the Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation department, stated, "Considering the match-timings, teams practising at the CCI and MCA are scheduled to practice in 2 sessions — from 4 pm to 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm to 10 pm.”
“Accordingly, permission has been requested for teams and the IPL staff (to) be allowed to practice inside the grounds after 8 pm and they may be allowed free movement from the ground to their respective hotels after the said time," the letter added.
Three more members at Wankhede Stadium test COVID-19 positive
The rising COVID-19 cases ahead of IPL 2021 are posing a big threat to the tournament. The 14th edition is set to kick off in just 3 days but one of its venues Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium is still under question. In the latest development, three members from the stadium have tested positive for the virus- two of them are groundsmen and one is a plumber.