IPL 2023: Amidst rise in Covid-19 cases across the country, BCCI directs franchises and players to be more cautious

As the Covid-19 cases continue to rise steeply across the country, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has urged Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and the players participating in the competition to be more careful.

SportsTak

• Thu • 06 Apr 2023

As the Covid-19 cases continue to rise steeply across the country, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has urged Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and the players participating in the competition to be more careful. Sports Tak has learned that the Indian cricket board has directed the team owners to make sure that health guidelines are followed in order to curtail the spread of the dreaded virus.

'Looking at the rise of Covid cases in India, the BCCI has asked team owners, players and support staff to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the virus," a BCCI source privy to the development told Sports Tak.

"We have asked everyone to be more alert and cautious to keep Covid-19 at bay. We know cases are rising but as of now nothing to worry about. We have directed players and support staff to follow Covid-19 guidelines. The health and safety of players are paramount for us. We will follow whatever guidelines have been put in place by the government. Our team is monitoring the situation and we are keeping track of the situation," the source added.

According to the health ministry data updated on April 5 (Thursday), India reported 4,435 fresh cases of the deadly virus in the last 24 hours, which is the highest single-day rise the country has recorded. Currently, the active Covid-19 cases in India stand at 21,091.

Meanwhile, Former India cricketer, who is currently commentating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Aakash Chopra on April 4 (Tuesday) announced that he has tested positive for the dreaded Covid-19 virus. The cricketer-turned-commentator took to Twitter and gave an update on his health.

"Caught and Bowled Covid. Yups…the C Virus has struck again. Really mild symptoms … all under control," Chopra said in a Tweet.

This was the first recorded case of a person involved in the ongoing cash-rich tournament who tested positive for the deadly virus.