The three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings received a major blow ahead of the much anticipated 2020 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As per reports, 12 support staff members and one fast-bowler of the franchise have tested positive for the dreaded Coronavirus (Covid-19). The reports also claim that the Covid-19 positive fast-bowler is not a member of the Indian cricket team, but his name is yet to be revealed.
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All members of the team who have tested positive for Covid-19 are stable and have been kept in isolation. While teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab have already started training after completing their mandatory 6-day quarantine period, CSK decided to extend their quarantine period to September 1 and stay indoors at the team hotel at Dubai to maintain social distancing.
After conducting a short six-day conditioning camp (August 15-20) for only Indian players in Chennai, the Super Kings took a flight to Dubai and landed on August 21. As per the guidelines issued by the authorities, all players and support staff members had to undergo Coronavirus test on days one, three and five during the six-day quarantine period at the team hotel.
According to the Covid-19 protocols, a player or support staff member of a team can only be allowed to enter the bio-secure bubble after testing negative for Coronavirus.
The first game of the tournament is scheduled to take place on September 19 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). IPL is yet to announce the complete schedule.