Dubai: Indian Premier League (IPL) teams Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) started with their training sessions in Abu Dhabi on Friday (August 28). KKR and MI are the only two teams that have set up their stay in Abu Dhabi. The other six teams are staying in Dubai. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) too have started their training on Sunday (August 30).
All players and support staff both the teams KKR and MI tested negative in the third round of COVID-19 tests. Meanwhile, both KKR and MI were left in the void after a sudden change in rules of mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, the Dubai-based teams had to stay in self-isolation for only six days.
Feels great to be back in the middle, doing what we do best! It’s been a challenging period of quarantine for the Knights, but we all know how important it was for everyone’s well-being 💜#SafetyFirst #KorboLorboJeetbo #IPL2020 #KKR pic.twitter.com/tRsZpQoX7T
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 28, 2020
“They (restrictions) have been in place for many months now. Any resident coming from Dubai to Abu Dhabi has to undergo the same procedure (undergoing a PCR test). You have to show a negative PCR report to enter the Emirates of Abu Dhabi,” Abu Dhabi Cricket CEO Matthew Boucher was quoted as saying to The New Indian Express about strict protocols in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi.
However, the issue was resolved after BCCI officials got in touch with local authorities.”It (journey) is absolutely seamless because of the coordination between the Dubai and Abu Dhabi police. We will have a VIP lane at the border and ensure a smooth PCR testing process,” Boucher added. Delhi Capitals on Saturday (August 29) had their first training session after completing their mandatory six-day quarantine after arriving in the UAE for the 13th edition of IPL.
🗣️ Ro: “Feels good to be back!” 😍💙#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/MJTD7chjy6
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 28, 2020
KKR and Rajasthan Royals (RR) were among the first IPL teams to touch down in the United Arab Emirates on August 20 while MI arrived the next day. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Suresh Raina came back to India due to ‘personal reasons’ while two CSK players — Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad tested positive for COVID-19.
WE. ARE. LOVING. THE. VIBES. 💙#Dream11IPL #YehHaiNayiDilli @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/vYknWX2j7h
— Delhi Capitals (Tweeting from 🇦🇪) (@DelhiCapitals) August 29, 2020
“A total of 1,988 RT-PCR COVID tests were carried out between August 20-28 across all participant groups in the UAE. These groups include players, support staff, team management, BCCI staff, IPL operational team, hotel and ground transport Staff,” BCCI said in a press release on Saturday (August 29).
“13 personnel have tested positive of which 2 are players. All the affected personnel as well as their close contacts are asymptomatic and have been isolated from other team members. They are being monitored by the IPL Medical Team,” it added.
IPL 2020 will kick off from September 19 to November 10 in the UAE. The matches will be held in three venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
