IPL 2021: Several IPL franchises unhappy with Devdutt Padikkal's direct entry into the RCB bio bubble

Some IPL teams are reportedly not happy with Devdutt Padikkal’s direct entry into the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bio bubble. The RCB batsman did not undergo the mandatory seven-day quarantine period that all the other IPL players went through but was directly allowed to enter the bio bubble.

An official of an IPL franchise also stated that if home quarantine was allowed, then all the team members would have preferred the same. But then, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) outfit has come out in defense of Padikkal. An RCB spokesperson stated that Padikkal tested negative for Covid-19 thrice and was only then allowed entry into the bubble.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore side also put out an official statement stating that Padikkal joined the team on 7th April 2021 and all the BCCI protocols were followed. The statement concluded by stating that the RCB medical team has been in constant touch with Padikkal to ensure that he is healthy.

“We are pleased to inform that Royal Challengers Bangalore, left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal, has joined the team on 7th April 2021 with negative reports for COVID-19 as per BCCI protocols. RCB medical team was in constant touch with Devdutt to ensure his safety and well-being,” revealed the official statement released by RCB.

Delving deep into the BCCI rules

The BCCI rule clearly states that all the team members, as well as staff, must undergo a seven-day quarantine period in their hotel rooms before they enter the team bubble. And upon arrival, all the members who will be included in the team bio bubble will have to follow the Covid-19 RT PCR testing plan. The report also states that the nasopharyngeal swab will be taken for testing.

“All franchise team members must quarantine in their hotel room for 7 days before entering the Bubble. Upon arrival and before commencing any group training activities, all team members who will be included in the Bubble will follow the below-mentioned COVID-19 RT-PCR testing plan. A nasopharyngeal swab will be taken for testing. Test reports are available within 8-12 hours after sample collection,” states the rule.

Even for players entering late into the bubble, the BCCI has drafted rules. The rule states that all the players who are joining late will have to fulfill their quarantine period in the team hotel but outside the bubble. They can enter the team bubble only after completing their seven-day quarantine and upon confirmation that they have tested negative thrice through the RT-PCR method.

“Any new members joining at a later date after the teams have entered their respective bubbles will have to serve their mandatory quarantine period in the teams’ hotel but outside the Bubble zone on a different floor/wing. After completing their 7 days quarantine and confirmation that all 3 RT-PCR results for tests taken on Day 2, Day 5, and morning of Day 7 are negative, they will be permitted to transfer to their team’s Bubble zone,” concludes the rule.