IPL 2020: Concerns over staying in bio-secure bubble led to Suresh Raina’s exit from IPL 13, says report

Raina opted out of IPL 13 on August 29 citing "personal reasons".

Suresh Raina | IANSSuresh Raina’s decision to pull out of IPL 2020 was driven by concerns over staying in a bio-secure bubble for three months as well as a personal tragedy back home, reported ESPNcricinfo.

Raina left the CSK camp in UAE and returned to India on Saturday (August 29), a day after it was emerged that 13 personnel, including two cricketers, have contracted COVID-19 among 1,988 tests carried out between August 20 to 28. It is understood that at least 10 members from CSK are among those who have tested positive for the virus.

WATCH: ‘My heart goes out to you’, Watson on Raina’s sudden exit from IPL

As per the report, Raina felt “cooped up” in his hotel room and was finding it difficult to get used to the bio-secure bubble. He is believed to have discussed his issues with CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, skipper MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming and left the camp to be with his family, which includes two young kids.

The other factor is that Raina had to deal with the loss of his uncle, who was killed when his extended family was attacked in Pathankot on August 19.

In a statement, CSK CEO had announced Raina’s decision, stating that the veteran campaigner will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season.

After their mandatory quarantine and COVID-19 tests, some IPL franchises embarked on their first training session on Friday (August 28). CSK were also supposed to begin their training on the same day but now have been forced to extend the quarantine period till September 1.

The 2020 season of Indian Premier League will be played in the Middle East from September 19 to November 10.

The 60 matches will be held behind closed doors across three venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 30 Aug, 2020

    Share Via