The BCCI has outlined a strict set of rules for the upcoming season, including housing the eight IPL teams in separate hotels and requiring two negative COVID-19 tests for anyone traveling to the UAE. Those who violate bio-bubble protocols face severe disciplinary action. These guidelines were sent to the franchises this past Wednesday. A copy of the SOP reveals that each team's medical unit must document the travel and health history of every player and staff member starting from March 1st of this year.
All the eight IPL teams to be placed in eight separate hotels, two compulsory negative COVID-19 test results before traveling to the UAE and players to receive severe punishment for breaching bio-bubble regulations are some of the rules drafted by the BCCI. The SOP was given over to the franchises on Wednesday. Apparently got hold of one of the copies of the SOP and it states that each franchisee’s health unit must acquire the clinical and travel history of all of its players and staff since March 1 this year.
Before gathering at their Indian facilities, all domestic players and staff must complete two PCR tests 24 hours apart. The BCCI has made it clear that any violation of the Bio-Secure Environment will be penalized under the official IPL Code of Conduct. Anyone who tests positive for the virus will be placed in isolation; following a 14-day quarantine, they must pass two consecutive tests 24 hours apart before they are allowed to fly to the UAE. These protocols are mandatory for international personnel as well.
While the BCCI allows families of players and support staff to travel to the UAE, they are subject to strict limits: they cannot use the team bus and must remain inside the bio-bubble at all times. Furthermore, the guidelines incorporate ICC health standards, which specifically ban the sharing of equipment and the use of saliva on the field.