IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals' assistant physiotherapist tests positive for coronavirus

The entire cricket fraternity was shaken after multiple Chennai Super Kings members tested positive for coronavirus a few days ago. People associated with the organizing team of IPL 2020 were jolted as the incident raised questions on the tournament’s feasibility.

After many delays, the much-awaited IPL 2020 is slated to start from September 19th in the UAE amid COVID-19 pandemic. IPL 2020 has now suffered another blow a member of the Delhi Capitals camp has tested positive for coronavirus.

The Delhi franchise issued a statement and identified the infected as an assistant physiotherapist, who had tested negative in his first two tests before returning positive in his third one. “He was yet to meet with, and had not been in contact with any players or staff of the franchise,” the statement said.

The physiotherapist was isolated immediately

“He was isolated immediately, and is currently at the IPL Isolation Facility in Dubai for the next 14 days, at the end of which he will have to produce two negative reports for him to be able to join the Delhi Capitals squad. The franchise’s medical team is in constant touch with him, and wishes him a speedy recovery,” the franchise further said.

Delhi Capitals have emerged as the third franchise to have a member test positive for COVID-19. 13 members including two players of CSK unit had tested positive for the novel virus. Furthermore, Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik had also tested positive before the team flew out of India. Yagnik had to undergo a 14-day quarantine before testing negative twice and rejoining the franchise.

News of franchise members testing COVID-19 positive has instilled a sense of fear amongst the IPL sides. Ness Wadia, the owner of the Kings XI Punjab franchise, has called for extra caution to curb the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Wadia also said that bio-security bubble should be restricted only to those individuals who really require to be with the players.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has rolled out the schedule from IPL 2020. Delhi Capitals will flag off their campaign for the 13th edition of the IPL by facing KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab on September 20th in Dubai.