Delhi Capitals (DC), have suffered a massive blow ahead of IPL 2021 as their all-rounder, Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the tournament. Axar Patel is the second player after Nitish Rana to have tested positive for coronavirus. Last week, it was informed that Nitish Rana had also tested positive but KKR didn’t inform about it officially.
Notably, Axar hadn’t joined the bio-bubble and was only serving quarantine. Thus, his teammates are now safe. Had he been along with the team and if he would have tested positive, other team members might also have had to serve isolation. Delhi Capitals are currently in Mumbai as their opening game of IPL 2021 is scheduled to take place on April 10 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Axar Patel Tests Positive For COVID-19 Ahead Of IPL 2021
Notably, Axar Patel, the Delhi Capitals’ all-rounder has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of IPL 2021. This has handed a massive blow not only to the franchise but to the BCCI as well, who have been ensuring that IPL 2021 takes place safely with players not being infected by the virus.
Speaking to ANI, sources close to the team said, “Unfortunately, Axar has tested positive. He is isolating and all protocols are being followed.” The BCCI has shortlisted a total of six centres to conduct the IPL this year. These include Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.
IPL 2021 All Set To Kickstart From April 09
The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, IPL 2021 is all set to kickstart from April 9 this year. The first match of the tournament will take place between defending champions, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. All the games will be played behind closed doors as per the information available.
Any guarantee on the availability of fans in the stadium will be taken at a later stage in the tournament. The afternoon games will start at 03:30 pm while the evening games will begin at 07:30 pm.