IPL 2021: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has decided to alter a few rules for the remainder of the 2021 season, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from next month. In the health and safety protocols released by the Indian board to all IPL teams, of which The Indian Express has a copy, the BCCI has decided that cricket balls will be replaced by the fourth umpire if it goes in the stands or outside the stadium.
A study has shown that there is a slim chance of Covid-19 spreading from the use of the ball but the Indian board doesn’t want to take any risk at all. Earlier, the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League was indefinitely postponed due to a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in the bio-bubble.
According to the BCCI, a new scientific study of cricket balls revealed that the risk of transmission of the coronavirus through the balls is very low. However, it is understood, the board doesn’t want to take any chance in completing the concluding part of IPL season which was suspended in May after few players and support staff tested positive. It is also learnt that the board is also contemplating allowing fans inside the stadium, but spectators will only be allowed to sit in the upper tier of the stadium.
Furthermore, ICC Executive Committee had earlier banned the use of saliva during the Covid-19 era. BCCI added that the players will also be prohibited to spit on the field.
Moreover, BCCI will make sure that the players, coaching staff and the commentators will be transported from the team bus straight to the aircraft.
“The team bus drops the players straight onto the tarmac thereby avoiding the need for players to pass through the airport terminal building (and thus) preventing contact with other people outside the Bio-Secure Environment,” it further reads.
“Use of any other facility at the Golf Club viz. bars, restaurants, cafes, gymnasium, etc., is prohibited. Use of locker rooms at the Golf Club is prohibited. IPL participants must arrive at the Golf Club wearing their Golf apparel to avoid use of locker rooms for changing. Shower facilities at the Golf Club must not be used,” the circular continues.
Meanwhile, for substitute players carrying drinks, they need to keep the drinks holder on the field and all players can only use their own pre-designated bottles to avoid sharing.
