Dubai: A fast bowler of Chennai Super Kings and 12 members of the team’s support staff have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dubai, where the squad has assembled to prepare for the IPL.
The 13th edition of the popular T20 league will be held at three centres in the UAE – Dubau, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi – from September 19 to November 10.
The player in question tested positive for the virus on Days 1 and 3 of the mandatory testing period in Dubai. According to the SOP issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), players and support staff have to be tested thrice after reaching the UAE – on Day 1, Day 3 and Day 5. Only if all three tests come negative will any member or staff of the team be allowed to enter the biosecure bubble.
The player and team staff who have been infected are stable and have been isolated, according to an India Today report. All 12 will be in isolation for two weeks, after which the individuals must return two negative PCR test done 24 hours apart before being brought back to the bio-secure environment.
The BCCI has also made cardiac screening compulsory before resumption of team activities.
MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings have completed the mandatory six-day quarantine period in Dubai but are yet to start training. Other teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab have hit the training grounds.
