Three more Wankhede groundsmen test positive; Axar Patel too

Axar Patel

Despite 10 Wankhede Stadium groundsmen testing positive for COVID-19, the BCCI has no plans to shift Indian Premier League (IPL) matches out of
Mumbai.

On Saturday, mid-day reported that seven groundsmen had tested positive. Another three reported positive on Saturday. This has prompted the BCCI to introduce Special Operating Procedure (SOP) for groundsmen across all six IPL centres. The event starts on April 9.

If the situation worsens, the Mumbai games may move to Hyderabad, it is learnt.

A BCCI official told Sunday mid-day on Saturday: "As of now, matches will not be shifted out of Mumbai. The Maharashtra government has assured us full support. We are taking all necessary precautions. Whatever is in our hands, we are controlling it."

While none of the four IPL teams based in Mumbai practised at Wankhede, the BCCI is leaving no stone unturned when Chennai Super Kings take on Delhi Capitals there on April 10. The SOP stated: "The groundstaff will undergo RT-PCR tests 24 hours before teams begin training at the venue." The test will be repeated every three days thereafter.

Strict measures

"Any groundstaff with body temperature more than 37.3 C/99 F, access to the practice area and stadium will be denied. The groundstaff are required to wear a facemask covering the nose and mouth at all times while they are on the field. During practice and matches, they must not touch cricket balls or hand them over to the players," were some of the key points stated in the SOP.

The Wankhede groundsmen issue and Delhi Capitals' Axar Patel testing positive are concerns for the BCCI.

Tracking and tracing

"We are tracking and tracing who he [Axar] met in the last few days and accordingly, they will be isolated. We are also testing regularly. If someone tests positive, he will be taken out of the bubble," the official said.

It is learnt Axar had tested negative before joining the Delhi Capitals on March 26 in Mumbai. However, he felt feverish and had a headache a few days ago. "He is now isolated in his hotel room away from his teammates," a source said.