IPL 2020: Updated BCCI protocols allow England and Australia players to be a part of the opening matches

The BCCI has been quite strict over the bio-secure protocols laid ahead of Dream11 IPL 2020. As per their rules, a 7-day quarantine was mandatory after reaching UAE and before stepping up on the field. However, the COO of Rajasthan Royals Jake Lush McCrum told that BCCI have updated the protocols for the upcoming T20 league, and with the same being in effect, England and Australian players can form part of the respective teams in IPL.

England and Australia will be locking horns in 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs commencing on September 4, and the availability of players from both the nations was unclear earlier. The series will be ending on September 16, and BCCI stated its firm stand by not easing the mandatory 7-day isolation period for players. Having said that, the Rajasthan COO now confirmed that the BCCI have updated their protocols.

“The BCCI protocols have actually been updated in the last few days, and I’m pleased to say our English and Australian stars playing in the series pre IPL should be available for our first IPL match. Either way, we have a quality squad with the depth to manage any situation,” McCrum said as quoted by DNA.

“The English and Australian players will be competing against each other in a high-quality series right before the IPL, which has many positives, the most important being it will enable them to be at full match fitness. I’m sure they will hit the ground running in the UAE for the IPL,” he added.

Rajasthan Royals has many significant players  from England and Australia

The Steve Smith-led Rajasthan Royals has the maximum intake of England and the Australian team. The greats like Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Jofra Archer also form part of the Rajasthan franchise. Even having all the safety practices and SOPs in place, McCrum threw light on how a player will be dealt with if he tests positive in between the tournament.

“Suspected or positive cases will immediately be isolated from the team and the case will be managed by the team doctor in accordance with the IPL medical team. Contract tracing will begin immediately. The BCCI has put together a list of accredited hospitals that will be fully equipped to handle all such cases. All cases will, however, be treated as per set guidelines and protocols of the UAE government,” McCrum added.