The BCCI has laid out strict fines for both players and franchises in IPL 2022 if the bio-bubble protocols are breached during the course of the tournament.
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There are just 10 days to go for IPL 2022 to begin. Chennai Super Kings will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The teams will be in strict bio-bubble confines. The BCCI has allowed 25 percent capacity for the initial few weeks of the tournament. However, with the coronavirus pandemic still not gone away totally, the BCCI has laid out strict directives. This relates to the case of a bio-bubble breach by either the player or franchise.
In IPL 2021, the logistics of air travel as well as the maintenance of bio-bubbles in several cities proved to be challenging. With the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic causing havoc, the bio-bubbles were breached in Delhi and Ahmedabad. This saw the tournament being suspended in April. Although the tournament resumed in the UAE, the BCCI is taking no chances.
According to the BCCI Operational Rules for IPL 2022, the rules are simple. If the player breaches the coronavirus protocols for the first time, then he/she will have to go into quarantine for seven days. In addition, the player will be fined 100 percent of their match. This will include the number of matches that they will miss. However, if the player once again breaches the coronavirus protocols, then they will receive a one-match ban.
If the player once again breaches protocols, then this third offence will lead to his removal from the squad for the rest of the season. The side will not be allowed a replacement player. For a family member accompanying the player, the rules are slightly stricter. If they breach the bio-bubble protocol two times, then the family member will be removed for the rest of the season. The player will have to undergo quarantine for seven days in addition to the first breach.
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According to a BCCI Communique, if the team is unable to field a side of 12, the BCCI states, “The BCCI, at its discretion, will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season. If this is not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee. The decision of the IPL Technical Committee will be final and binding,” it stated.
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However, there will be sanctions even on the team. If the franchise allows any person to enter the bio-bubble protocol without following the BCCI protocols, then the franchises will have to pay a price. In the first offence, the franchise has to pay a fine of Rs 1 crore. But, if the offence is repeated for the second and third time, then the sides will be deducted one and two points respectively.
If a player or backroom staff misses the coronavirus tests, then they will have to pay a price of Rs 75,000 per offence. The stadium or training facilities will not be allowed for the player or official who has missed the tests.
