How the BCCI is conducting the IPL amidst a global pandemic

The BCCI has issued a fresh 16 - page SOP regarding the IPL, enlisting the major rules and regulations to be followed to ensure the safety of players, support staff and all the people involved in the functioning of the IPL. This year's IPL is being held in UAE from September 19, as confirmed by the board.

After the arrival of players in the specific training camps in the Indian cities, two tests are to be conducted before they even depart for the UAE. Chartered planes have been recommended for the trip from India to UAE, to follow social distancing and seat norms even in the flight. Upon arrival in the UAE, according to governmental regulations, one coronavirus test needs to be conducted at the airport, and then 3 tests in the next week. All franchises are also taking up accommodation in different hotels where the players and support staff would be quarantined in different rooms upon arrival. All overseas players and support staff travelling directly to the UAE also need to undergo two Covid-19 RT-PCR tests before flying into the UAE and can only fly if the tests are negative. If not, then a 14-day quarantine period and two negative tests to be able to fly to the UAE are required.

Players will also not be allowed to meet teammates immediately upon arrival in the UAE. Players can interact only after returning 3 negative Covid-19 PCR tests upon arrival in the UAE.

Only after everyone involved tests negative six times in total can they be allowed to enter a "biosecure" environment, where all people are considered to be COVID - 19 negative. Once entered, people can only leave the biosecure environment in exceptional cases. During the fifty-three day tournament, tests would be conducted on every fifth day as well, even after entering the biosecure bubble.

The most important part of the SOP dictates the proceedings in case a player tests positive in the middle of the tournament. Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 would be asked to quarantine and seek medical advice. After completion of their 14-day quarantine period, the individual is required to take two COVID-19 PCR tests, 24 hours apart, and if both test reports are negative, he/she may be allowed to fly out to the UAE. Contact tracing is also to commence immediately.

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Writer: Mannat Kandal