IPL 2021: Seven Wankhede groundsmen test positive for COVID-19

A water soaking up machine goes past Indian ground staff ready to mop-up after light rain at Wankhede Stadium. Picture/AFP

Seven Wankhede Stadium groundsmen are understood to have tested positive for COVID-19.

Sources in the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) informed mid-day that their groundstaff, preparing the pitches for the upcoming Indian Premier League at the iconic venue, were tested in two batches.

The first match at the Wankhede Stadium will be played between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals on April 10.

"During the first round of testing in the last week of March, four had tested positive. They were accordingly isolated from the rest of the group. In the latest test conducted on April 1, three other groundsmen tested positive.

"We will have to now call ground staff from our Kandivli ground to complete the work at Wankhede. They will be allowed to join the other groundsmen only after they test negative," the source said on Friday.

It is learnt that the Wankhede groundsmen would travel home daily after their duty hours in public transport. MCA authorities are confident pitch and ground preparation work for the IPL will not be hampered. "Most of the work is already completed," an official said.