With only three days left for the opening game of IPL 2021, where Royal Challenger Bangalore is all set to take on defending champions Mumbai Indians, the organizers and BCCI seem to have hit another hindrance.
Recent reports suggest that 14 people have tested positive for coronavirus v in the Broadcast Bio Bubble. These 14 people were living at the Four Seasons Hotel, where Star Sports World Feed Crew is currently residing.
“Please check with the BCCI we don’t manage the Four Seasons bubble,” STAR Sports CEO Sanjog Gupta told Outlook.
The infected crew comprises a cameraman, producers, directors, EVS operators (people who provide slow and ultra-motion replays and instant graphics), and video editors. This update questions the credibility of these bio bubbles during IPL 2021.
Previously, Axar Patel and Devdutt Paddikal tested positive for the virus, while eight members of the Wankhede ground staff, six members of BCCI’s event management team, and a member of CSK’s content team tested positive although none of them were inside the bubble.
Moreover, so a lot of overseas players like Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Phillipe, Mark Wood, and Dale Steyn have opted out of the IPL. Few players might be worried about the covid situation in India. However, majority of players from this lot have cited bubble fatigue as the reason.
Despite the rise in COVID cases across the country, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has assured that the tournament will go ahead. The BCCI has remained resolute about hosting the IPL in Maharashtra. For now, Hyderabad and Indore are reportedly on the shortlist as backup venues.
Padikkal tests negative for coronavirus
While there has been no update on Axar Patel’s situation, RCB has confirmed that Paddikal has tested negative. The young opening batsman will have to return negative on further tests before joining RCB in training. He remains touch and go for the first game against Mumbai Indians on April 9 in Chennai.