IPL 2021 – CSK, DC, RR, PBKS Concerned about Covid-19 Situation in Mumbai: IPL 2021 is less than a week away and the situation in Mumbai is making everyone involved in the league extremely concerned. Especially IPL teams in Mumbai, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are worried about the situation.
The news of eight ground staff members at Wankhede Stadium testing positive has further made these franchises and BCCI worried about the situation.
“You do get a little concerned when you hear such things days before the start of the tournament. We have all been following protocols to the core. But obviously, when such a news comes in, it makes us a little wary. We are looking at keeping things as tight as possible. Have to be on our guard,” a franchise official told ANI.
Another franchise official, who also did not want to be named, said that it should be a wake-up call for everyone involved in the IPL 2021. “This could actually serve as a wake-up call before the start of the tournament. Sometimes we tend to get a little comfortable after going inside the bubble. But this will ensure we follow every protocol and there is no messing up,” the official said.
IPL 2021: IPL teams in Mumbai, CSK, DC, PBKS and RR getting very concerned about COVID-19 situation in Mumbai
Maharashtra on Saturday recorded 47,913 new cases of COVID-19 with Mumbai reaching 9,000-mark. With Wankhede Stadium hosting 10 matches in the early stages of the tournament, franchises are now concerned about players’ safety. A franchise official called on the BCCI to enforce stricter protocols amid rising calls for a state-wide lockdown in Maharashtra.
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Viswanathan told Insidesport.co that the franchise too is worried and is abiding by BCCI’s and Health Ministry guidelines strictly. The CSK team is currently put up at Oberoi Trident Hotel in Mumbai.
“We are keeping a close eye on the situation. We are strictly abiding by BCCI and Health Ministry guidelines. We are concerned and it’s natural but we are not worried as things are beyond our control. There is no point in worrying about things that are beyond your control. Our camp is underway. The team and camp are unaffected by any possibility of lockdown. But the future is beyond our control,” Viswanathan told InsideSport.
Mumbai COVID-19: Will BCCI shift IPL 2021 matches out of Mumbai?
The BCCI is also strictly monitoring the situation and moving the matches out of Mumbai could be a consideration. A BCCI official told InsideSport that the governing body is prepared for the worst. Hyderabad has already come up as an alternate venue with Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray hinting at a complete lockdown if the situation does not improve in the next 48 hours.
“To say that we are not concerned will not be correct. Yes, there are concerns and we are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. This is something beyond our control and we can do nothing to check the number of cases. If there is a lockdown, we have to deal with the situation as it comes,” the official who did not want to be named told InsideSport on Friday.
BCCI source told InsideSport.co that Hyderabad & Indore are being asked to stay ready as back-up venue option, should Mumbai or more of the six designated host cities not be able to hold their matches.
