Fans Allowed But Not Covid; UAE Authorities Issue Strict Covid Guidelines For IPL Matches
Vaccination certificate, RT-PCR report, mask, and social distancing to be followed to check the virus' spread
With the return of the nail-biting battles on the cricket ground, spectators have also returned to the stadium in the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The second phase has already commenced with the match played yesterday, between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). But unlike the first phase, held in India and postponed due to COVID-19 infections, the UAE authorities have allowed fans into the stadiums.
Tickets on iplt20.com
Fans can buy tickets for the remainder of the tournament on the official website, www.iplt20.com. Tickets can also be purchased on PlatinumList.net. But they are also required to follow strict covid rules and guidelines issued by the local authorities.
In total, 31 matches, including qualifiers, will be played over 27 days. The matches are to be held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Authorities of all the three cities have imposed rules as per the local situation.
COVID Guidelines For Fans
In Dubai, spectators are required to show either proof of completed vaccination or a negative RT-PCR test report. Children under 12 are exempt from these rules, however. Wearing a mask and maintaining social distance all the time is a must. That's why limited seats are available in the stands while the remaining ones will be vacant.
At Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Stadium, children below the age of 12 are required to have a companion older than 21. Children between the age of 12 and 15 must have a negative RT-PCR report and they are relaxed from vaccination certificates. But fans above 16 must have proof of vaccination along with a negative RT-PCR report not older than 48 hours.
If someone goes outside of the stadium, they will not be allowed to enter again.
At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, going to host its first match on 24 September between Royal Challengers and Super Kings, the rules are somewhat stricter.
Along with a completed vaccination, the fans are also required to have a negative RT-PCR report, which must not be older than 48 hours. They must have a green status shown on the Al Hosn app. Children below the age of 16 are not allowed to enter the stadium.
BCCI Cautious After England Tour
It is important to note that the matches are being played in the UAE but the organizer is still the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
BCCI has already announced the protocol to be followed by all the players and their franchises. This time, a strict bio bubble is to be followed to minimize any external interaction between the players.
BCCI has also advised franchises to book separate hotels for each team.
The 5th test match between India and England was canceled as several members of the Indian team management had tested positive for the coronavirus.
The BCCI does not want to take any chances with the IPL because it will suffer a massive financial loss if it does.
