IPL 2020: Here are the consequences of breaching the bio-secure bubble during the tournament


IPL 2020: Here are the consequences of breaching the bio-secure bubble during the tournament

IPL 3

Players following safety measures while travelling to the UAE

The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin from September 19, 2020, in the United Arab Emirates. This year, the tournament will take place in a ‘bio-secure bubble’, keeping the safety of the players in mind. 

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To avoid any violation of this ‘secured’ set-up, the IPL governing body has set-up several guidelines for the players and the support staff. The body has clearly stated that any willing breach, will lead to severe consequences, and can even put the league at stake.

The current situation of COVID-19 in India is quite alarming as the number of cases has already touched the 3.4 million mark. Amid the massive spike in the cases, the 13th edition of the IPL will take place in the UAE. Despite strict rules, it would be a challenging task to organise the tournament in the ongoing pandemic. 

Concept of ‘bio-secure bubble’

The idea of ‘bio-secure bubble’ first came during the Test series between England and West Indies in July 2020. Restrata, a UK-based company, was given the task to prepare this safety zone according to the guidelines. 

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The safety bubble was formed, keeping in mind the standards of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This helped the England team successfully host the Caribbeans, followed by the Irish and Pakistan teams as well.

Consequences of breaching the safety bubble

RCB’s Mike Hesson warned the players about ‘bio-secure bubble’ breach

All the franchises and other members of the organising team for this year’s IPL are supposed to give utmost importance to the bio-secure bubble. Recently, RCB skipper Virat Kohli and Head of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson told their players that even a single mistake can put the entire tournament at stake. 

“If there is a breach of bio-bubble and if it’s a willful act, then it becomes a contractual issue between the player and RCB. It will be dealt with very seriously,” Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Team Director, Mike Hesson said in a virtual meeting with the team on Monday.

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