IPL 2020: Players To Be Tested For Covid-19 Every Fifth Day

The IPL 2020 will be a bigger challenge than only cricket for player, officials and organisers. It has been reported that the teams will be allowed to depart for UAE only after August 20 and once they reach the destination, the players and supports staffs will be allowed to enter the bio-bubble, only if they are tested negative thrice.

Furthermore, to ensure the safety of the players and staffs, they will be tested for Covid-19 every fifth day. “Following their arrival in the UAE, the players and support staff will have to return at least three negative tests during a week’s quarantine and if they are negative, they can enter the bio-bubble and start training.

“There could be minor changes to this protocol depending on the feedback from the teams but there will not be any compromise on players and team officials’ safety,” the official said.

For the overseas players, who will join their respective franchises, will have to undergo two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests before flying in to the UAE and can only fly if the tests are negative. Regulations for the families will see them being barred from entering the players and match officials area.

“All overseas players and support staff also need to undergo two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests before flying in to the UAE and can only fly if the tests are negative. If not, then the same 14-day quarantine period and two negative tests to be able to fly to the UAE,” said the official.

“The families will also not be allowed to enter the PMOA (players and match officials area) and field of play at any time during the training and matches.

“And anyone who breaches the bio-secure protocols, will have to be in self-isolation for seven days and return two negative tests on day 6 and 7 to be allowed to re-enter the bio-bubble,” the official added.

IPL 2020 will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), its chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed after the global governing council postponed the 2020 T20 World Cup to next year. IPL 2020 will run from September to November.

Mumbai Indians will put their title on defense in IPL 2020. The side has won the lucrative tournament in the year — 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 — under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma.