Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey

The 13th edition of IPL 2020 is set to get underway in the UAE in September. However, there are key questions that require proper answers in place to ensure the tournament can go ahead as smoothly as possible in a COVID-19 world.

According to reports, the IPL’s governing body is meeting on August 2 to finalise key details, which will make up part of the tournament’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Below are key questions they must address effectively.

1. What will the bio-secure bubble look like?

In the ongoing English season, there are strict protocols regarding the bio-secure bubble. Just ask Jofra Archer. Players are required to stay put in the hotel for the safety of all, with the only time they leave being when they train and play.

It is important for the IPL governing council to confirm what this bio-secure bubble will look like. The franchises will likely be in control of the bubble, but what should the penalties be for anyone who breaks the protocols in place? Fines, in addition to isolation?

Also, some other key questions to answer are:

1. What is the maximum number of people allowed in a squad’s bubble? Will families be allowed?
2. How does the IPL ensure that squads are socially distant from people outside the bubble? Squads could be in the UAE for up to 80 days after arriving in August, which presents a challenge.
3. Will bubbles move around, given the tournament will be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah?

2. What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19?

We all hope this doesn’t happen, but unfortunately it is possible in the current climate. Franchises need to know the steps to take should someone test positive for COVID-19.

What will the impact be on the player, franchise and tournament as a whole? Specifically, the IPL’s governing body needs to answer these questions:

1. Will the entire squad have to be tested immediately?
2. Where does the squad isolate, should a member test positive? Will it be in the same hotel? Will other teams be at the hotel?
3. Will the next match of that particular team be cancelled or put on hold till everyone is tested?
4. What happens if someone tests positive on the day of the match?

3. How and when will squads get to the UAE safely?

Most players haven’t played for months, so there is a need to arrive in the UAE as early as possible to ensure they get the chance to train and prepare for the tournament. According to reports, the aim is to get squads over to the UAE by August 20 or 21, which gives everyone three weeks to ramp up their preparations.

For this to happen, the IPL’s governing body will need to oversee the organisation of chartered flights. Also, COVID-19 testing needs to take place before departure and then on arrival in the UAE.

4. What is the go regarding replacement players?

With the news that South African players might miss the IPL (as is the case with the CPL), the IPL needs to confirm what the protocols are regarding replacement players.

Each franchise is allowed eight replacement players. But, what happens if one or more isn’t able to participate in the tournament? Can franchises look to the outside for a replacement player? Also, what will be the testing requirements? Can that replacement player play straight away, or will they need to isolate for a certain period?

Also, players could be on national duty. Australia’s cricketers have reportedly been told to prepare for England in September – a limited overs series that Ashley Giles is “quietly confident” will go ahead. So, what will happen to the affected squads? For example, can Sunrisers Hyderabad attempt to replace star player David Warner, whom many believe is in the all-time IPL XI?

5. Interaction with people outside the bubble

As mentioned previously, squads could be in the UAE for up to 80 days. How does the governing body aim to ensure there is as minimal contact as possible with people outside the bubble? For example, is the bus driver part of the bubble? What about net bowlers? Can they join the bubble after they have been tested?

It is important the IPL’s governing body ensures that there are clear contingency plans in place to ensure the tournament goes ahead as smoothly as possible.

Also read:

• Opinion: Who makes the all-time IPL XI?
• Australia reportedly told to prepare for England limited overs series in September
• MS Dhoni different in 2013, compared to 2007 – Irfan Pathan