IPL 2020: Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians Finally Start Training In Abu Dhabi

While the entire Chennai Super Kings squad has gone into isolation after several members of their contingent tested positive for the coronavirus, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) hit the nets for the first time on Friday in Abu Dhabi.

Things had become complicated for both Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians because of the new stricter rules introduced by Abu Dhabi to contain the sudden spike in the coronavirus cases. Out of the eight teams, only Mumbai and Kolkata have their bases in Abu Dhabi while the rest six are based in Dubai.

However, the concerned parties have sorted the issue out and both the teams hit the ground on Friday. Matthew Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket, confirmed that all test results of both the teams returned negative paving way for them to begin training.

“The border (between Abu Dhabi and Dubai) has been in place for nearly four months. Thousands of people are using the border every day to travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai and vice versa. So the testing of the players and staff simply has to fall in line with the protocols,” he told The New Indian Express.

? Warm-up and fielding drills for Kung-Fu Pandya on Day 0️⃣1️⃣#<!---->O<!---->n<!---->e<!---->F<!---->a<!---->m<!---->i<!---->l<!---->y #<!---->M<!---->u<!---->m<!---->b<!---->a<!---->i<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a<!---->n<!---->s #<!---->M<!---->I #<!---->D<!---->r<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->1<!---->1<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->d<!---->i<!---->k<!---->p<!---->a<!---->n<!---->d<!---->y<!---->a<!---->7 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->e<!---->1<!---->f<!---->6<!---->F<!---->I<!---->N<!---->1<!---->D<!---->1

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->9<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

The official also assured a seamless journey for the teams by ensuring a VIP lane at the border for them.

“It (journey) is absolutely seamless because of the coordination between the Dubai and Abu Dhabi police. We will have a VIP lane at the border and ensure a smooth PCR testing process,” he added.

Kolkata Knight Riders reached the venue on August 20 while Mumbai Indians arrived there the next day. Boucher further explained the testing procedure while reiterating the all the members of both the teams have tested negative for the dreaded virus.

“The process was that the teams had a test in India before they departed. They had one on day one on arrival in Abu Dhabi. Then they had tests on the third and sixth day. We received negative results on day seven and applied for approval to the government and NCEMA (National Crisis & Emergency Management Authority). Today (Friday) we received the permission and training started,” he said.

Here are some pictures from Mumbai Indians’ training session:

Also Read: IPL 2020: Not During Pre-Season Camp But Chennai Super Kings Members Contracted Virus In Dubai: Here’s The Proof

Also Read: Chennai Super Kings’ Ruturaj Gaikwad Tests Positive For COVID-19