IPL 2021 Phase 2: Franchises upset with BCCI as Covid-19 breaches bio-bubble yet again

The threat of Covid-19 is upon IPL once again as the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler, T Natarajan tested positive for Covid-19 after a scheduled RT-PCR test on Wednesday. The franchises are also feeling that BCCI is not taking full precautions against Covid-19 during phase 2 of the competition. 

One of the BCCI officials said, “It is unfortunate, very worrying. One or two more instances like what happened with SRH camp can derail the league again. BCCI & everyone else needs to take more precautions, we are extremely baffled by what has happened with Natarajan. All protection, measures have been taken by BCCI. SRH management told us that Natarajan right from the Day 1 of landing in UAE hasn’t moved out of BIO-BUBBLE. It can be, that while boarding or in-flight to UAE he got infected but for now we are completely unaware. He is isolated for now along with his close contacts and we are vigilant about the entire SRH team now.”

The BCCI has requested all the franchises to be extra cautious in phase 2 of the competition. 

The governing body also asked the franchises to follow proper social distancing norms, wear masks whilst travelling and during practice sessions. 

One of the franchise officials confirmed the non-usage of the contact tracing app. One or two more positive cases will put the conduct of phase 2 of the tournament in jeopardy once again. 

Natarajan’s absence will prove to be a big blow for Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team is already struggling as they lost to Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. 

Hyderabad will be facing Punjab Kings next on Saturday at 7:30 PM IST at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.