BCCI unable to invite state associations for start of IPL due to COVID restrictions

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has informed the state units that the board cannot invite them for the start of the IPL due to the ongoing pandemic and strict restrictions in place. Shah conveyed the message through a written letter on Tuesday; however, he remained confident that some of the travel restrictions will ease by the business end of the tournament.

It’s been a conventional practice by the BCCI to invite the officials from the members associations for the IPL opening ceremony and the playoffs.

“While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete,” Shah wrote in a letter to the state units.

“As you are aware, the BCCI invites its former Office Bearers and the Presidents and Secretaries of all its state units to the IPL opening game and league matches as well as for the finals.”

“…owing to some stringent restrictions on the movement of people and on account of the protocols put in place by us which includes the creation of several bio-secure bubbles to minimize the damage caused by COVID-19, we would not be able to have our annual gathering, at least at the beginning of the tournament,” he further added.

The teams ever since they arrived in the UAE are under a mandatory quarantine of six days. During this duration they are to be tested three times, and only after returning these tests negatives the members will be allowed to start their training for the season.

Talking about the play-offs, Shah wrote, “I am hopeful that till the time we reach the playoff week, we would have more relaxations on travel and interactions, which would allow us to have you all travel to the UAE.”

Shah did not forget to thanks the members for standing by the BCCI during these tough times.

“Lastly, I wish to apprise you about the fact that we are aware of the difficulties that you are facing in these times and I assure you that all necessary steps would be taken by us in consultation with you, to alleviate those difficulties at the appropriate stage.

“The strength of the BCCI lies in its members and the matters of policy would only be firmed up with your inputs and upon the approval of the General Body,” he concluded.