The dreaded Covid-19 has jolted the entire Delhi Capitals camp as reportedly Mitchell Marsh is the overseas player who has been found positive for Coronavirus on Monday (April 18). It is understood that the Australian all-rounder showed some symptoms and a Rapid Antigen Test was performed which came positive. This has forced the franchise to delay its travel to Pune ahead of their clash against Punjab Kings on Wednesday (April 20).
"DC were supposed to travel to Pune today but the entire squad members have been told to retire to their respective rooms and as per protocol RT PCR is being done to ascertain whether there is an outbreak in the camp or it is an isolated case like Patrick Farhart," a BCCI source said on Monday.
It was also learnt that the team is staying at Conrad Hotel in Pune where BCCI has created a bio-bubble. They were supposed to travel but now it has been delayed. Obviously all those whose results would be negative would carry on with onward journey tomorrow.
The development comes after team physio Farhart along with one more support staff tested positive last week as the total tally of Covid-19 cases in DC camp has reached three now.
According to the BCCI rules, fixtures of teams failing to field a playing XI amid COVID-19 crisis will be postponed. If that’s not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee and a final decision will be taken.
“BCCI, at its discretion, will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season if a team cannot field a playing XI due to COVID-19. If this is not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee,” states the rule.
The BCCI had allowed 50 per cent capacity in stadiums as Covid-19 cases reduced across the country. However, the case are rising once again amid rising fears of a fourth wave of COVID-19 across the country.
With Covid cases rising outside the IPL bio-bubble, the virus threat inside the protected environment has also increased.
Last season, the tournament had to be suspended midway due to the second wave before it could be completed in the UAE in September-October.
