The 2022 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to get underway on March 26 with the clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
With less than two weeks to go for the cash-rich tournament, the BCCI has made some massive changes in the COVID-19 breach policy.
Notably, the IPL had to be stopped midway last season after several players were tested positive for the deadly virus in the Indian leg. The league was later shifted to UAE for the second phase in September.
In order to carry out the tournament smoothly this time around, the BCCI has set new rules for the breach of protocols by players, team officials and their family members.
“The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to the health of individuals and the cooperation, commitment and adherence by each Person Subject To These Operational Rules to the measure put in place to provide a safe environment is of paramount importance,” the BCCI said in its operational rules for the IPL 2022, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Here is the list of punishments the player, a team official or match official will serve in case of bubble breach:
First offence – 7-day re-quarantine or such other period as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (without pay for the number of matches missed)
Second offence – One match suspension (without pay) to take effect after the completion of the 7 day requarantine or such period requarantine as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (without pay)
Third offence – Removal from the Registered Squad for the rest of the season – no replacement allowed.
For A Family Member:
First offence - 7-day requarantine for the family member or such other period re-quarantine as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 and 7-day requarantine for the relevant Player, Team Official or Match Official or such other period requarantine as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (without pay for the number of matches missed)
Second offence - Permanent removal of the friend or family member from the bubble for the rest of the season and 7-day requarantine for the concerned Player, Team Official or Match Official or such other period quarantine as may be provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (without pay for the number of matches missed).
Other Sanctions:
Breach: If a franchisee is unable to field a team for any match due to having less than 12 Players available – 11 in the playing XI (of which at least 7 must be Indian) plus 1 substitute fielder
Sanction: BCCI, at its discretion, will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season. If this is not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee. The decision of the IPL Technical Committee will be final and binding.
Breach: Wilfully allowing any person into the Bio-Secure Bubble to have contact with the Players &/or Support Staff without that person going through the 7-day quarantine or such period as provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 and negative test protocols as provided in the Health and Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 or failing to put in place adequate procedures to control unauthorised access to the Bio-Secure Bubble.
Sanctions: First offence – a fine payable by the Franchisee to BCCI of INR 1,00,00,000 (Rupees One Crore Only) Second offence – deduction of 1 point Third and subsequent offences – each a deduction of 2 points.
Breach: Unauthorised departure from the Bio-Secure Bubble of a Player, or a family member of the same, resulting in a need for the Player to re-quarantine for 7 days or such period as provided in the Health & Safety Protocols during IPL 2022.
Sanctions: A fine payable by the Franchisee to BCCI of the pro-rata League Fee that would have been paid to the Player if he had been available for the match(es) during the re-quarantine period.
Breach: Other breaches of the Health and Safety Protocols during IPL 2022 (e.g. non-provision of the “must-have” facilities in the hotels, training facilities & ground transportation).
Sanctions: BCCI will work with the franchisee to effect compliance. If there are further persistent breaches, the BCCI will make a Complaint to be heard under section 6 of these Operational Rules.
(With Cricbuzz inputs)
