The increasing number of coronavirus cases has prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider player vaccination ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla stating that the board would contact the Health Ministry to discuss player vaccination. “I agree that the best way to deal with this coronavirus epidemic is to get vaccinated.” The BCCI is now considering whether or not players should be vaccinated. Nobody knows when the coronavirus will be eradicated, and you can’t guarantee that it will be out by a certain date so that athletes can continue to compete.
So, I guess I’ll have to think about it now. “The players should also be vaccinated,” Shukla told ANI.
When asked if the BCCI has written to the Health Ministry about player vaccination, Shukla said that the BCCI is considering the idea and that they would certainly contact the ministry to request that players be vaccinated.
ANI announced earlier on Saturday that the IPL Governing Council (GC) is considering moving the Mumbai matches to another venue, with Hyderabad and Indore on standby, due to the daily increase in coronavirus cases in Maharashtra.
The groundstaff at Wankhede Stadium has tested positive for coronavirus, but things aren’t looking well in Mumbai. With the number of cases in Maharashtra on the rise, IPL franchises are cautious and crossing their fingers ahead of the 14th edition of the league, which kicks off on April 9.
From April 10 to April 25, Wankhede will host ten IPL games. The Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings will play the first match at the Mumbai stadium on April 10.
“We’re keeping a close watch on each location in relation to Covid-19 cases; no decision has been reached yet, but Indore and Hyderabad are on standby. Will see what can be done; the players’ wellbeing and welfare are paramount “ANI obtained details from a source.
As of now, four franchises have formed themselves in Mumbai: the Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.
Furthermore, the Delhi franchise was dealt a major blow on Saturday when all-rounder Axar Patel was found to be positive for COVID-19.