2 players among 13 COVID-19 cases in IPL contingent: BCCI

Says 1,988 RT-PCR tests carried out between August 20 and 28 across all participant groups

 

New Delhi(Agencies):The BCCI on Saturday revealed that two players were among a total of 13 who had tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the IPL after it came to light that over a dozen members of the Chennai Super Kings contingent had been infected by the novel coronavirus in Dubai.

The two players who have tested positive include a T20 specialist seamer for India and a top-order India A batsman. The Board, though, did not reveal any names. The tournament starts September 19 and will be played across three cities in the UAE.

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"Thirteen personnel have tested positive of which two are players. All the affected personnel as well as their close contacts are asymptomatic and have been isolated from other team members. They are being monitored by the IPL medical team," stated the BCCI press release.

It added that a total of 1,988 RT-PCR COVID-19 tests were carried out between August 20 and 28 across all participant groups in the UAE. These include players, support staff, team management, BCCI staff, IPL operational team and hotel and ground transport staff.

 "As per the IPL 2020 Health and Safety Protocols, testing on all participants will be conducted regularly throughout the IPL 2020 Season," stated the release.

All positive cases need to go through a 14-day quarantine period following which they will have to return two negative RT-PCR tests before being allowed inside the bio-bubble for the tournament. PTI