Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia wants the bio-bubble protocol to be followed strictly

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Thursday said that the COVID-19 situation that happened with Chennai Super Kings could have happened with any franchise.

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Thursday said that the COVID-19 situation that happened with Chennai Super Kings could have happened with any franchise. He also mentioned that only the people who are “really required” to be with the players should remain in the bio-bubble.

Thirteen members of the CSK squad including two players tested positive for COVID-19 last week, becoming the first cases of coronavirus in the IPL contingent. “The CSK incident has taught us that it can happen to anyone even when the best of precautions are taken and therefore we must be more compliant and rigid on the bio-bubble protocols. We need to ensure only those who are really required to be with the players are part of the bubble,” Wadia added.

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The players, coaching staff, support staff, social media experts and managers are the people who are inside the bio-secure environment. The teams will also interact with marketing specialist as the IPL is nearer. Owners and CEO’s are also set to join their squads. All the people in the biosecure environment have to follow protocols set by the BCCI and if violated will be in a 7-day quarantine.

When asked if he would travel to UAE for the IPL, Wadia said that he did not interact with the players as much and is comfortable communicating via Zoom or online platforms. Wadia thinks that there is nothing to worry about COVID-19 developments at Super Kings camp as positive cases have also been found in major European football leagues on resumption.

“Every problem is an opportunity for someone else. So now everyone (potential sponsors) is trying to take advantage of the situation,” Wadia said. “We do hope that BCCI compensates in some form or manner. Be it this year or next year for the hit we are taking. But I would rather look at the glass half full than half empty. At the least, the IPL is happening after all that we have gone through this year.”