Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) co-owner Ness Wadia said the news of two Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players and their 12 support staff personnel testing COVID-19 positive ringed alarm bells for the rest of the franchises and made them more careful with regards to following of the bio-secure regulations in place in UAE.
The turn of events at the CSK camp despite putting in place strict protocols, including regular testing, had raised concerns over the safety and feasibility of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 going ahead amid the raging pandemic.
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Wadia said it came as a lesson for the rest of the teams, adding that there is a genuine need to ensure only necessary personnel are part of a team's bubble.
"The CSK incident has taught us that it can happen to anyone even when the best of precautions are taken and therefore we must be more compliant and rigid on the bio-bubble protocols. We need to ensure only those who are really required to be with the players are part of the bubble," he told PTI.
Non-playing and coaching staff of the franchises include team operations manager and social media specialists. The PTI report adds, "the cricketers are also required to spend time with the marketing staff during photo shoots which will be held closer to the IPL."
"The CEOs and owners, most of whom are yet to reach UAE, are also allowed in the bio-bubble but any SOP violation will send them into a seven-day quarantine."
It is also stated in the BCCI SOP that "the number of staff outside of the teams and their support staff and the match officials should be limited to the absolute minimum."
Wadia said he hasn't yet made a decision whether to travel for the tournament. "I have not finalised my plans but I normally don't interact a lot with the players," he said. "I have spoken to Anil Kumble (head coach) twice so far just to check what is going on. I am very comfortable interacting on Zoom and other (online communication platforms)."
While raising point on concerns, the KXIP co-owner is at the same confident of BCCI and IPL authorities ensuring everything goes smoothly in the next couple of months.
"The BCCI has put internationally established protocols in place. If you look at the football leagues, there were cases in the beginning and the highest of precautions were taken."
"There are so many variables (in the current situation). I don't think people need to worry at all. Things will get better and smoother as we go forward."
In another matter, Wadia said it is hoped by KXIP and other franchises that the BCCI compensates them some of the money they stand to lose from a reduction on wealth in the IPL's central revenue pool.
That, with no gate revenue this season and the change in title sponsorship rights, for which Dream11 has paid around half the amount Vivo was paying.
"Every problem is an opportunity for someone else. So now everyone (potential sponsors) is trying to take advantage of the situation," said Wadia.
"We do hope that BCCI compensates in some form or manner. Be it this year or next year for the hit we are taking. But I would rather look at glass half full than half empty. At the least, the IPL is happening after all that we have gone through this year," he added.
