The IPL 2021 matches in Mumbai could be thrown into further doubt after eight Wankhede stadium groundstaff tested positive for the coronavirus.
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The IPL 2021 matches in Mumbai is in further doubt. Reports have emerged that eight Wankhede stadium ground staff has tested positive for the coronavirus. Maharashtra is seeing a deadly surge in the coronavirus, with close to 50,000 cases being reported on Friday. There are various reports stating that unless the situation does not improve, the state could be headed for another lockdown. Mumbai will host its first match on April 10 when Chennai Super Kings take on Delhi Capitals.
The matches in Mumbai will held behind closed doors. Apart from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore are the other venues where the IPL will be played. Ahmedabad imposed a night curfew in February. The remaining India vs England Twenty20 Internationals was played behind closed doors. Chennai and Bangalore are also in the middle of a COVID-19 surge. Following the incident, one BCCI official told ANI that stricter protocols when it came to testing needed to be implemented well.
The BCCI is now walking on a tightrope when it comes to the IPL. The latest infections are a cause for concern. With Mumbai and Maharashtra the coronavirus hotspot, they may have to rethink about playing the games at the venue. This might pose further logistical challenges, with the tournament less than a week away. There will be groundstaff from other venues available.
The Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana in Kandivali and the Sharad Pawar Academy at the Bandra-Kurla Complex are two venues in the news. Recently, Sachin Tendulkar tested positive for the coronavirus after playing the Road Safety World Series tournament in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
The coronavirus pandemic forced the 2020 edition of the IPL to be played in the UAE. Mumbai Indians won the tournament for a record fifth time.
However, the latest surge and reports of infections among the groundstaff raise further questions on whether the BCCI can hold the tournament in Mumbai. The coronavirus pandemic might peak around April to May, just like last year.
