Indian Premier League bio-secure bubble in the UAE has been breached by the novel coronavirus. The scare came from the Chennai Super Kings camp as the teams are gradually hitting the ground after completing their six-day isolation period in the Emirates.
One “Indian bowler” and staff members in the Chennai Super Kings have been reported positive for the COVID-19 infection. The team which was expecting to start group training on Friday (today) will now have an extended isolation period for one more week.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that there are 13 COVID-19 positive cases in the Kings’ camp.
Meanwhile, a section of media also suggested that no support staff is among the CSK positive cases. It is stated that there are only three confirmed cases, including a member of the social media team and two net bowlers. The entire contingent was undergoing a fourth COVID-19 test today (Friday).
The identity of the infected people has not been revealed. However, it is reported that the infected player is a fast bowler from India.
All the eight IPL contingents had to undergo three mandatory COVID-19 tests – on the day of arrival, the third day and the sixth and last day of the quarantine period.
The team that had reached the UAE on August 21 was expected to hit the field today after having served their quarantine in the team hotel.
Following the “positive reports”, the CSK will now stay in an extended quarantine till September 1. The infected people have been separated from the rest of the squad. They will only be allowed into the bio-secure bubble after getting at least two COVID-19 negative reports.
“Yes, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, who has recently played for India, along with a few staff members have tested positive for Covid-19,” an anonymous IPL source hs told PTI. “As far as we know, one of the senior-most officials of the CSK management and his wife, and at least two members of their social media team are also Covid-19 positive.”
The results of the latest tests are expected by tomorrow (Saturday).