IPL 2021: 14 members from IPL broadcast test positive for COVID-19

With just a couple of days left for the much-awaited tournament, there is more bad news for the IPL organizers. Apparently, 14 people in the broadcast bio-bubble have tested positive for the virus. With a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) also set to take place in Mumbai, cases have been increasing among cricketers and organizers working for the 14th season of the T20 tournament too. Among those infected are camera operators, directors, producers, EVS operators, and video editors.

On the other end, Sanjog Gupta, Star Sports Head, refrained from making any comments and asked to collect all the details from the BCCI. It has also known that Star Sports raised its concerns to the officials regarding hosting IPL 2021 games in Mumbai. The officials have created several bio-bubbles for different groups who are a part of the Indian Premier League. Although specific barriers were anticipated at the start of the season, the worsening Covid-19 situation in Mumbai has left broadcaster Star Sports worried.

Everything will fall into place once the tournament starts: Sourav Ganguly

Earlier, members of the ground staff at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai had also tested positive for the virus. In the COVID-19 second wave, Maharashtra has accounted for 50 percent of India's total cases. Mumbai is going to host matches from April 10 to April 25. Despite all, Sourav Ganguly is determined about hosting the games in Mumbai even if the Maharashtra government decides to put a lockdown. A few reports had also indicated that matches scheduled to be played in Mumbai could be shifted to Hyderabad. Hyderabad Cricket Association's (HCA) president Mohammed Azharuddin also welcomed the cricket administrative body to host these IPL matches in the city.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly seems confident about the bio-secure environment that is in place. He also remembered a few Covid-19 cases before the competition began last year in UAE. Ganguly hopes that everything will fall into place once the tournament starts. Ganguly further reckons that a lockdown in Mumbai would be a blessing as it would help reduce cases in Maharashtra. This would automatically lower the chances of players and staff members falling prey to the novel virus. The 14th season of the IPL is set to start on April 9. RCB will face defending champions MI in the tournament opener.

READ MORE Cricket articles here!