IPL 2021- 10 new rules that teams and players have to follow this season: The new season of Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to get underway on April 9 and the arrivals of players at the respective host cities has already begun. The last IPL was the first one held under the shadow of the raging COVID-19 pandemic and saw some very unusual rules and regulations.
From the artificial crowd noise to strict protocols bio-bubble protocols, IPL 2020 was very different from the previous editions. However, the 2021 edition is also going to be unique as the league returns to India where the impact of the pandemic is still strong.
The new seasons will see more strict protocols being introduced as well as a few tweaks in the existing rules to make the tournament more conducive to present times. Here is a list of 10 new rules that IPL 2021 would be played under.
Family and Owners to be Kept in Bubble
Just like the players, their family members, as well as owners of the teams can leave the bubble only if it is highly necessary. On top of that, they will have to get a formal permission from the BCCI’s Chief Medical Officer to exit the bubble.
Team Areas in Hotel to be Sealed Off
To ensure greater safety of the teams, BCCI has stipulated that teams should try and book entire hotels for their squads. If that is not possible, an entire wing of the hotel would be reserved for the team and would be sealed off for those not part of the group. This would prevent any chance of contact with people from outside.
Bubble Integrity Managers
To make sure that the teams are not violating the sanctity of the bio-bubbles, a four-member team of ‘Bubble Integrity Managers’ will be created for each side. They will ensure that players and the support staff adhere to the stringent rules. It will also be the responsibility of this group to inform the authorities about any breach of the protocols.
Bearing Their Own Expenses
The IPL authorities have also decided that those players who would be arriving from certain foreign locations, namely – UK, Europe, South Africa, Brazil, and Middle East would have to undergo a 7-day quarantine for which they will have to bear the costs themselves.
Immediate Replacement of Balls
While research has indicated that cricket balls are not likely to be dangerous carriers of the dreaded Coronavirus, still, to eliminate the risk fully, it has been decided that if a ball goes into the stands or outside the ground, it would be immediately replaced. The replaced ball won’t be discarded but sanitized and returned to the collection for further use.
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Bubble-to-bubble
To reduce the quarantine load on the players, BCCI has allowed players who are part of the India vs England limited-overs series to move from their existing bubble into the IPL bubble without any intervening period of isolation.
Special Requirements for Being in Chennai
Players arriving in Chennai will need to provide a special e-pass that is being issued by the state government of Tamil Nadu. This is in keeping with the special rules enacted in that province.
Three RT-PCR Tests Needed for Entering Bubble
Before entering the bubble, all those who are not coming from another bubble will have to go through three RT-PCR tests over a period of seven days. Only when they test negative in all of them would they be allowed to join the bubble.
Separate Check-in Counters
To further keep the players away from harm, they would have separate check-in counters at the hotels. This would ensure that they remain separated from outside elements throughout their transit from rooms to field.
No Contact Between BCCI Officials and Players
Members of BCCI’s top brass will not be entering any bubble, hence they would not be allowed to meet any of those who are in the bubble, be it players or officials.
Editors pick
