The IPL 2020 will be held in full in UAE from September 19-November 10 in what is the longest duration for the T20 tournament-53 days. The BCCI has already prepared the SOPs and is waiting for the green signal from the Indian government.
Given the Coronavirus situation in UAE, everyone coming from outside has to quarantine for six days on arrival as mentioned in the SOPs, however, all the eight franchises want that period cut to three days.
The franchises have also sought the board's permission to organize team and family dinners with "adequate" advanced notice.
Apart from this, they also require food to be delivered from outside the hotel via contactless delivery. These points are to be discussed in the team owners' meeting with IPL officials on Wednesday evening, a BCCI official told PTI.
IPL 2020: Rigorous COVID-19 test, restricted movement among other things included in SOPs
As per the existing BCCI SOP which can be tweaked, the players and support staff will be tested on day 1, day 3, and day 6 of their quarantine in the UAE and after clearing that, they will be allowed to train. After this, they will be tested every fifth day during the 53-day event beginning 19 September.
"Most players have not had much game time in the last 6 months and are looking forward to as much practice as possible. Subject to the advice of medical professionals, can we consider allowing players to practice by staying in the bubble, with three days of quarantining instead of six days," the official said.
The BCCI has told the teams to leave for UAE not before 20 August though some of the teams, including CSK, wanted to leave early.
"Can teams be allowed to arrive anytime post 15 August, instead of 20 August as mentioned to accommodate the quarantine period and still have enough time for practice and preparations of players?" read the note.
As per the BCCI SOP, the families of players and team owners too will have to stay in a bio-secure environment during the IPL. The teams wanted a tweak in that as well.
"Currently the SOP suggests that they cannot interact with the squad unless they are a part of the bubble. Owners will not be able to spend three months in a bubble. Therefore, are there any specific protocols based medical advice which can be considered for infrequent interactions with owners and families?" a point read.
During the quarantine in the UAE, players will not be even allowed to interact with other team members and can only do so after clearing at least three COVID-19 tests.
Each team will stay at a separate hotel and since it is a long tournament, they want the players to unwind by playing golf and attending team and family dinners.
"One big area of concern is the wellbeing of the players as they stay in a bubble for 80+ days. The pressures of competitive sport do not make it any easier. We understand protocol and bubble strategy from England versus West Indies series included activities such as golf, visits to specific restaurants, and visits to some pre-determined places. Can IPL consider this with the advice of medical professionals?" the note read.
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"We understand protocol and bubble strategy from England versus West Indies series included activities such as golf, visits to specific restaurants, and visits to some pre-determined places. Can IPL consider this with the advice of medical professionals?" the note read.
The franchises also want BCCI to clarify whether the players will be allowed to fulfill commercial obligations to their respective franchises via shoots and meet and greets.
Apart from this, the franchises want players from England, Australia, and the Caribbean to do an early boarding, given that CPL concludes on September 10 and England-Australia bilateral series ends on September 16.
"These two events account for nearly 25 players participating in IPL. Subject to the guidance of medical professionals, can we consider early on-boarding of these players?" read another question.
(PTI inputs)
