IPL 2020: Virat Kohli and RCB teammates set to fly out to UAE in last week of August
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) chairman Sanjeev Churiwala said on Sunday, RCB’s players and support staff are scheduled to fly out to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the last week of August.
This would provide enough time for team members to undergo quarantine, COVID-19 testing and a few days of practicing before the IPL begins on 19th September.
RCB chairman told the media that, “All the Indian players and support staff will first assemble in Bengaluru. They will be quarantined in a hotel in Bengaluru for a few days before flying out to the UAE in the last week of August. The players are keen to start practising, so our flight schedule has been worked to ensure adequate time is available to conduct nets in UAE.”
Churiwala pointed out that before their departure, players and staff would undergo testing and medical clearance.All the squad’s members are being constantly educated on the BCCI’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), a final draft of which will be disclosed with franchises soon.
Churiwala explained further during the interview, “The bio-secure bubble in UAE will have strict rules like complete isolation and regular testing. All our players and support staff are now familiar with the rules. Safety and health is paramount. In this regard, the SOPs draft covers all topics. All points will be fully implemented.”
According to the SOPs draft, members of all the squads would have to conduct a mandatory week-long quarantine until they begin training on-field. All teams need to designate a team doctor, accountable for ensuring that medical protocols are met for the bio-secure environment.
Passengers arriving at UAE are required to bring a negative COVID-19 PCR test report which was released no less than 96 hours prior to their arrival at UAE.
