It is reported that only the people who are a part of an Indian Premier League team’s IPL ‘hotel bubble’, including two waiters will be traveling in the buses when teams move between hotels and stadiums for games in the UAE from Saturday.
Every team is instructed to travel in two buses rather than one that would be the case in India, while the match officials who will be on duty for the game will also be secured in a similar bio-bubble. Every team will be carrying 17 players and 12 coaching and support staff, two waiters and two logistical personnel in two buses when they travel and while returning.
Every person be it a player, ground maintenance staff, waiters or anyone, everyone is tested every sixth day to ensure there’s no spreading of COVID-19. Abu Dhabi in particular have been very stringent with their COVID-19 protocols and the IPL teams are also expected to comply.
Things had fallen under question after 13 personnel related to Chennai Super Kings were tested positive for the virus. Later an assistant physiotherapist of Delhi Capitals also tested positive but thankfully, things have been in order since then.
Spectators are also not allowed in the stadium and reports of the crowd being allowed after a few games have been called fake. The grounds are going to remain without any supporters for the entire tournament irrespective of the venue. Strict document testing is also done when anyone is entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai, they check your COVID test papers first followed by an SMS confirming the same.
The IPL begins with a match between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at the glorious Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Every game be it in the afternoon or evening will be carried out in exactly the same way as mentioned above.
Cover Credits: Cricketlounge
