Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia said Thursday that the positive Covid-19 cases in the Chennai Super Kings contingent could have affected any of the eight franchises and they only want the people in the IPL bio-bubble. that are “really required” are with the players. Thirteen members of the CSK contingent, including two players, tested positive for the virus last week, raising concerns about the safety of the tournament being held in the United Arab Emirates amid the pandemic.
“The CSK incident has taught us that it can happen to anyone even when the best precautions are taken and therefore we must be more compliant and rigid with bio-bubble protocols. We need to make sure that only those who really should be with players are part of the bubble, “said Wadia PTI.
The franchisees’ non-player and non-coach staff include the team’s operations manager and social media specialists. Cricketers should also spend time with marketing staff during photo shoots that will take place closer to the IPL starting on September 19. CEOs and owners, most of whom have not yet arrived in the UAE, can also enter the biobubble. but any violation of BCCI’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will send them into a seven-day quarantine.
“The number of personnel outside the teams and their support personnel and match officials should be limited to the absolute minimum,” say the BCCI SOPs.
When asked if she would be traveling for the tournament, Wadia said: “I haven’t finalized my plans, but normally I don’t interact much with the players. I have spoken to Anil Kumble (head coach) twice so far just to check what’s going on. I feel very comfortable interacting in Zoom and others [online communication platforms]. “
Wadia stated that there is nothing to worry about in the wake of the events at Super Kings as positive cases have also been found in major European soccer leagues at the restart. Even NBA players have tested positive.
“The BCCI has put in place internationally established protocols,” Wadia said. “If you look at the soccer leagues, at the beginning there were cases and the greatest precautions were taken. There are so many variables [in the current situation]. I don’t think people should worry at all. Things will get better and better as we go along. “
Teams will face a financial hit as their share of BCCI’s core revenue pool drops after new title sponsor Dream11 paid nearly half (INR 222 crore) of what Vivo was paying. . Teams will also lose money from the gate with the tournament held abroad and in front of empty stadiums. Delhi Capitals President Parth Jindal has predicted a 30% drop in team revenue should the BCCI fail to compensate.
Wadia said her team is also seeking compensation from the board, but also chose to look on the bright side.
“Every problem is an opportunity for someone else. So now everyone (potential sponsors) is trying to take advantage of the situation,” Wadia said. “We hope that BCCI will compensate in some way. Either this year or next for the impact we are receiving. But I’d rather look at the glass as half full than half empty. At least the IPL is happening after all we’ve been through this year.” .
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