Teams dash to Dubai
IPL sides pack their bags & head to UAE for 13th edition
As IPL teams start descending on Dubai for the much-awaited 13th edition of the league, the Bio-Secure Environment protocols have come into effect. While Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab were the first teams to leave for the UAE on Thursday, Chennai Super Kings will land in Dubai on Friday evening. CSK have booked an entire wing of Taj Dubai where they will be based throughout the tournament.
Around 55 members, including players, net bowlers, support staff, franchise officials, marketing and social media team will leave Chennai by a chartered flight on Friday.
“All our Indian players, except Harbhajan Singh, will be on the flight. Harbhajan will join the team later in Dubai. Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja who missed the camp have reached Chennai,” said CEO of Chennai Super Kings, K.S. Viswanathan.
Foreign players who are not part of the Caribbean Premier League and England-Australia ODI series are on their way to join the bubble.
Viswanathan said the team will start their training session only after the mandatory six-day quarantine period. “During this phase, players and officials are not allowed to step out of the room. All their meals will be served in the room. They will be tested on Day 1, 3 and 6. All players have been
briefed on safety protocols,” he said.
“The biggest challenge as a franchise is to bring the players into a bio-bubble. We had a camp in Chennai for our Indian players and we had to test everyone involved in organising it. It’s been a huge challenge, but it’s a worthy exercise. As a franchise, we will leave no stones unturned in our bid to provide players a safe environment,” added Viswanathan.
Three-time champions Chennai Super Kings will be training at the Internationl Cricket Ccouncil’s Academy, located next to the ICC headquarters
in the heart of Dubai Sports City.
MASK EARNS MONEY FOR CSK
The most sought after branding spot on an IPL team jersey is the chest logo which is given to the prime sponsors. However, in the run-up to the tournament, teams could earn some money through a different avenue. In Covid-19 times, face masks will a prominent branding area. Chennai Super Kings have already roped in a sponsor for their yellow masks. “Players won’t be using it on match days though,” said
Viswanathan.
SUSPENDED DOCTOR IS BACK
Meanwhile, CSK team doctor Madhu Thottappillil, who was suspended by the franchise following his tweet on the Indo-China border clash, is back and will accompany the squad to Dubai. He had tendered an unconditional apology after the controversial post was termed “inappropriate” by the franchise.
“His suspension is over. His role is crucial, especially in the bio-bubble environment,” said Viswanathan.