Staffers at ICC Headquarters in Dubai test positive for COVID-19; IPL teams in Dubai safe

The Coronavirus pandemic had stopped cricket for almost six months after which England took the lead to get going with their international summer. They created a bio-secure bubble and successfully managed to host Pakistan, Ireland, West Indies and Australia. Even the BCCI follow their footsteps and have successfully conducted the Indian Premier League (IPL) so far in the UAE.

However, the headquarters of the top brass of cricket, International Cricket Council (ICC) has hit by the pandemic it seems. A few of the staff members at the ICC HQ have been tested positive for COVID-19 and are in mandatory isolation at the moment as the per the health protocols of the UAE.

Moreover, there is a possibility of the ICC HQ being closed for a few days in order to follow the strict health protocols. The entire premises is being santised for the operations to restart and the staff will work from home for some days now. The ICC is yet to officially comment on it but the official privy to the developments confirmed of a few people being tested positive. However, he also said that the apex body was ready for this situation.

“It has been managed very well by the ICC as they were prepared considering the second surge of cases in the UAE,” the board official was quoted as saying by Outlook.

IPL teams practising ICC Academy safe

Meanwhile, six IPL teams are in Dubai using the practice facilities at the ICC Academy in Dubai. However, it has been cleared that there is no threat to them as the ICC HQ is fair distance away from the venue. Moreover, no ICC staff is present at the practice session as well.

“The ICC Academy is perfectly safe because neither it is adjacent to the office headquarters nor are there are any ICC staff who is present at the practice session. So there is no question of ay health scare as far as IPL teams are concerned,” a senior official close to the developments in Dubai said.