IPL Teams favour shortened quarantine period in UAE

With the BCCI deciding to move the 13th edition of the IPL to UAE due to growing number of COVID-19 cases in India, the franchisees have started to plan in advance keeping in mind the situation on ground.

According to reports, the IPL teams want a three-day quarantine for their players upon arrival in the UAE instead of the six days as mentioned in the BCCI draft SOP. They have also sought the board’s permission for organising team and family dinners with “adequate” advanced notice.

The franchisees are expected to have a meeting with the IPL officials in the evening of 5th August which will discuss the above points and other issues like contactless food deliveries from outside, a BCCI official told PTI.

The current BCCI SOP, which can be altered, the players and support staff will be tested on day 1, day 3 and day 6 of their quarantine in the UAE and on clearance, they will be allowed to train. After this, there is a provision for testing on every fifth day during the 53-day event that begins on September 19.

“Most players have not had much game time in the last 6 months and are looking forward to as much practice as possible,” the official said.

“...Subject to the advice of medical professionals, can we consider allowing players to practice by staying in the bubble, with 3 days of quarantining instead of 6 days?” read one of the points in a note from the franchises which will be discussed in the meeting.

The BCCI has asked the teams to leave for UAE not before August 20. Earlier, some of the teams, including CSK,
wanted to leave early.

“Can teams be allowed to arrive anytime post August 15, instead of August 20 as mentioned to accommodate the quarantine period and still have enough time for practice and preparations of players?” the note said, as per PTI reports.

The BCCI SOP mandates that the families of players and team owners too will have to stay in a bio-secure environment during the IPL. The teams want the board to review this point as well.

“Currently the SOP suggests that they cannot interact with the squad unless they are a part of the bubble. Owners will not be able to spend 3 months in a bubble.

“Therefore, are there any specific protocols based medical advice which can be considered for infrequent interactions with owners and families?” During the quarantine in the UAE, players will not be even allowed to interact with other team members and can only do so after clearing at least three COVID-19 tests.

Teams will be staying at separate hotels and since it is a long tournament, they want the players to unwind by playing golf and attending team and family dinners.

“One big area of concern is the wellbeing of the players as they stay in a bubble for 80+ days. The pressures of competitive sport do not make it any easier.

“We understand protocol and bubble strategy from the England versus West Indies series included activities such as golf, visits to specific restaurants and visits to some pre-determined places. Can IPL consider this with advice of medical professionals?” the note read.

“Can the IPL also consider allowing food orders from designated delivery outlets using contactless deliveries to the hotel,” the note added.

Teams also want the board to clarify whether the players will be allowed to fulfill commercial commitments towards their respective teams by being available for “shoots and meet and greets” events. Franchisees are also keeping an eye on the Caribbean Premier League and the players who will be featuring in Australia tour of England.

“CPL concludes on September 10 and the bilateral series between England and Australia concludes on September 16.

“These two events account for nearly 25 players participating in IPL. Subject to the guidance of medical professionals’, can we consider early on-boarding of these players?” read another question.