IPL 2021: Matches in Mumbai will go ahead as per schedule, MCA confirms
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IPL 2021
Preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2021 have hit a roadblock due to various positive COVID-19 tests among personnel concerned with the same. Firstly, 8 groundmen at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai tested positive for the virus before a member of the Chennai Super Kings’ content team also returned a positive test. If that wasn’t enough, two of the players also returned positive.
The first was Delhi Capitals’ all-rounder Axar Patel who is currently in isolation. The second was Royal Challengers Bangalore opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal. Despite the positive tests and the looming threat of the second wave only getting stronger, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have assured that the tournament will go ahead as per schedule and that the positive tests would not affect the same.
MCA secretary Sanjay Naik confirms IPL will go ahead
Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) secretary Sanjay Naik confirmed that the positive tests would not impact the games in Mumbai nor would it lead to a change of venue. There were reports that the BCCI was considering Hyderabad and Indore as alternate venues in case the second wave got stronger in Mumbai and if there were more positive tests among the players camped in Mumbai.
Speaking to ANI, “The matches are on as per schedule,” said Naik. Earlier, another source had confirmed the same to ANI, saying, “See, not just the teams, but also the buses and drivers and everything is inside the bio-secure bubble. So, travelling to the stadium on match-days will not be a problem. Regular tests are being done on those working around the teams as well just like it was last year in the UAE. The curfew won’t hurt travel to and from the stadium.”
The IPL begins on the 9th of April.
Also Read: IPL 2021: Moeen Ali refrains from sporting alcohol brand logo on CSK jersey
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Nevin Clinton
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