BBL 2020-21: Cricket Australia bans haircut of players due to strict COVID-19 protocols

Cricket Australia (CA) has banned the Big Bash League  (BBL) players from going out for haircuts due to strict COVID-19 protocols. The restrictions were imposed after the fresh coronavirus outbreak in Sydney. The ongoing edition of the T20 tournament got underway on Thursday, December 10 and 13 matches have already taken place, one of which was washed off due to rain.

The strict rules and regulations also barred David Warner and Sean Abbott from taking part in Australia’s second Test against India, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. If reports are to be believed, the duo wasn’t allowed in order to not jeopardise the on-going Test series.

CA’s strict laws for BBL 2020-21

“The governing body has also increased restrictions for BBL players, conscious of walking the tightrope that is playing a full domestic and international summer while dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 and in particular the recent NSW outbreak which has imperilled Sydney’s hopes of hosting the third Test as planned,” the report read, reported by Hindustan Times.

Going by reports, a CA Queensland hub protocols document, released on Monday, December 21, stated that personal appointments such as haircuts won’t be allowed. CA has also banned eating out either outdoors or indoors.

“This contrasts with an earlier version of the protocols from December 1, when such appointments were permitted provided that face masks be worn when inside,” it stated.

“Players and staff can still pick up take away food if it is pre-ordered but they must not wear their team uniform when doing so,” the report added.

The BBL got underway with games in Tasmania and Canberra as five teams flew from Hobart to Brisbane earlier this week on a chartered flight. The teams are currently staying in a bio-secure bubble in the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

After 13 games, the Hurricanes, led by Peter Handscomb, are placed on top of the points table with three wins from four matches. Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat are yet to open their account in the tournament, having lost three matches each.

After Adelaide Strikers beat the Heat by two runs on Wednesday, the BBL returns with a doubleheader on Saturday, December 26.