IPL 2021: Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules for teams in the UAE

IPL 2021: Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules for teams in the UAE

IPL trophy

The wait is finally over for the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as it’s set to begin from next week (September 19) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The tournament will commence with an updated schedule from Match 30 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Most of the players have already started their mandatory quarantine period in bio-bubbles ahead of the start of the cash-rich league. The remaining matches of the IPL 2021 are set to take place under COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of players and other participating members.

Here are some of the latest rules for IPL teams in the UAE:

  • Players’ family members and franchise owners to be kept in bio bubble

All the family members and franchise owners also need to remain in the bio-bubble just like the players. They can leave the bubble only in case of an emergency, but only after getting formal permission from the BCCI’s Chief Medical Officer.

  • Teams’ territory in hotels to be completely sealed off

The BCCI has advised the franchises to book the entire hotels where their teams are staying in the UAE. In case that’s not possible, they have been indicated to book the respective wings of the hotels to avoid any breach in the hotels

  • Bio-bubble managers

The Board has appointed a four-member team of ‘Bubble Integrity Managers’ for each side to ensure that no violation of the bio bubble happens in any way. 

  • Replacement of Balls

The organisers have decided that if a ball goes into the stands or outside the ground, it would be immediately replaced. However, the old ball won’t be discarded as it will be sanitised and used at some later stage in the match.

  • Distinct Check-in Counters

To ensure a complete cut-off from the other people in the hotel/resort, the players will have separate check-in counters to maintain zero exposure to the outside world.

  • Three RT-PCR tests are mandatory for entering bubble

All members need to undergo three mandatory RT-PCR tests and show negative results for them before entering the bio-bubble.

  • Bubble-to-bubble

The BCCI has taken a special bio-bubble exemption for the players currently in England for the Test series. As players are already in a bubble in the UK, they can directly enter without serving the quarantine period.

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