The Indian Premier League (IPL) has decided to alter a few rules for the remainder of the 2021 season, which is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from next month.
In the health and safety protocols released by the Indian board to all IPL teams the BCCI has decided that cricket balls will be replaced by the fourth umpire if it goes in the stands or outside the stadium.
“If the cricket ball goes in the stands or outside the stadium, the fourth umpire will provide a replacement from the library of cricket balls. The previous ball when returned will be sanitized with alcohol-based wipes and/or UV-C by the fourth umpire and placed in the library,” the circular reads.
A new scientific study of cricket balls revealed that the risk of transmission of the coronavirus through the balls is very low.
Spitting and releasing nasal/respiratory secretions on the ground or at any place other than washrooms is prohibited.
The players and support staff will have to undergo six days of isolation, along with three negative tests, before entering the bio-bubble. Indian players who are currently playing in England will not have to undergo a quarantine period in Dubai if they fulfil a few guidelines for a ‘bubble to bubble’ transfer.
The substitute players carrying drinks need to keep the drinks holder on the field and all players can only use their own pre-designated bottles to avoid sharing.
In case of pitch invasion during a match or practice session, if any spectator or fan manages to enter the field of play and momentarily come in physical contact with a player, the player must change his clothes and put away the used ones in a separate bag for disinfection and laundry. Also, the player must wash his hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds before meeting other team members in the bubble.
