IPL 2020: AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris to join RCB camp in UAE on August 22

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is exactly 30 days away from getting underway on September 19. The teams are now leaving their base to reach the UAE even as the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will make it to Dubai on August 21. There were a few concerns of the participation of South Africa players in the IPL this year but RCB have no such issues it seems.

South Africa is under nationwide lockdown at the moment to control the COVID-19 pandemic but the trio of AB de Villiers, Chris Morris and Dale Steyn have got government’s permission to travel for the IPL. Moreover, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) has organised a culture camp for the contracted players. But these three cricketers are not contracted and hence can skip the camp to reach the UAE on August 22.

The RCB Chairman Sanjeev Churiwala, while speaking to ESPNCricinfo, confirmed that the three Proteas players will fly out of South Africa this weekend and join the team on Saturday. As far as the camp is concerned, the contracted South Africa players in the IPL will be free after August 22 and they might reach the UAE only after that.

Two South Africa cricketers tested positive for COVID-19

Meanwhile, CSA has confirmed that two cricketers from the national squad have tested positive for COVID-19. The board hasn’t disclosed the names of the players yet and it remains to be seen if they are due to play in the upcoming IPL. They have been isolated according to the protocols right now and will miss the camp as well.

“The testing is in line with fulfilling the organisation’s obligation and commitment to control the spread of the virus. There were no replacements made for the two players who tested positive. All those unable to attend the camp will join the proceedings virtually.” CSA said in a statement.

Meanwhile, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has not attended the camp due to imminent birth of his second child. He plays for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and his travel dates are not confirmed yet.