IPL 2021: COVID-19 Fear Has Gripped Players, Coaches And Support Staff, Reveals Franchise Executive

The rising cases of Covid-19 had become a major concern for India and even those who are part of IPL 2021 are concerned about the same. A franchise executive revealed that Covid-19 fear has gripped everyone who is part of IPL 2021. The IPL 2021 is being conducted in the country under total precautions, but the rising Covid-19 cases in the country have become a reason for anxiety and worry among players, coaches, and support staff.

BCCI took several steps for the safety of players and those involved in IPL 2021. Each team will travel just three times during the group stages. Players, coaches, and support staff are living inside the bubble. Covid-19 tests are regularly conducted for players and participants of IPL 2021. Spectators are not allowed to enter the stadiums and matches are conducted under closed doors.

Covid-19 Fear Has Gripped Everyone Who Is Part Of IPL 2021

A franchise executive revealed to Times of India that coronavirus fear has gripped everyone who is part of IPL 2021. He informed that everyone inside the bubble is concerned for their safety and health.

“Who wants to begin a day with an antigen test and an RTPCR? Or undergo a swab test every second day?

“That’s what everybody inside the bubble is going through, wondering if masks are on, hands have been washed, if there’s anybody around who doesn’t belong in the bubble, or proactively enquiring if anybody’s woken up with a fever or cough every morning. Fear has gripped us all,” a franchise executive said.

The franchise executive also said that players are thinking about Covid-19 and its effects all the time.

“Better precautions are being taken this time around, with whatever little experience we gathered from the first round of travelling. But what gives? Who can claim to stay 100% protected from the virus? Obviously, the players are thinking about it all the time,” the executive further said.

Ahead of the tournament, players like Devdutt Padikkal and Axar Patel were tested positive for Covid-19. Some members of support staff were also tested positive ahead of the tournament. Recently, MS Dhoni’s parents were also tested positive for coronavirus.

The situation in the country has been worsening on a day-to-day basis. In the past 24 hours, 3,32,730 lakh fresh cases have arrived in India. At least, 2,263 people lost their lives due to Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.

There are 24,28,616 active cases in the country at present. Many states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and others have introduced partial lockdowns to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus.