IPL 2020: BCCI Warns Players As Coronavirus Cases Increase In UAE

Signs are not at all promising as BCCI gear up for the thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE. The upcoming edition of the competition is scheduled to be played entirely in UAE because of the alarming coronavirus situation in India.

However, reports from UAE are not at all encouraging. As per reports, the coronavirus cases in the UAE are increasing rapidly, thus making the BCCI a little worried. All the teams will be in UAE within the next couple of days. Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab have already reached Dubai.

And as the teams start their preparation, BCCI has fired a warning at all the players who are reaching the gulf nation for this year’s IPL. As per reports, the BCCI has strictly asked all the players and IPL team owners to take care of themselves.

“Strict instructions have been given to all the players, coaching staff, owners and other members. We don’t want that because of someone’s mistake, others get infected and suffer,” a BCCI official told IANS.

“UAE will provide all the help needed regarding safety of players (medical or other). The teams’ owners have also been asked not to roam here and there freely because coronavirus cases are no less in that nation. After so many delays, the IPL is going to happen and everybody will have to respect it and be more responsible,” he added.

Last month, England fast bowler Jofra Archer was dropped from the playing XI for the second Test against West Indies after it was learned that he had broken the team’s bio-secure protocol. A similar action from any player during the IPL could prove fatal for the tournament.

All the players and staff members will enter the bio-secure bubbles after reaching UAE and will be allowed to leave it only after the tournament ends. IPL 2020 is scheduled to start on September 19 while the final is on November 10.

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