What are the IPL protocols when a player tests COVID positive?

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s T Natarajan tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of his team’s game against the Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. However, BCCI confirmed the the IPL match will go ahead as scheduled. 

Natarajan, who is coming back from a knee surgery, has been isolated along with six close contacts which also include out of favour India all-rounder Vijay Shankar.

“Sunrisers Hyderabad player T Natarajan tested positive for COVID-19 at a scheduled RT-PCR test. The player has isolated himself from the rest of the squad. He is currently asymptomatic,” a BCCI release stated.

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“The rest of the contingent including the close contacts underwent RT-PCR tests at 5AM local time this morning and the test reports are negative.

“As a result, tonight’s game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals will go ahead at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai,” it further stated.

The close contacts identified by the medical team also include Vijay Kumar(Team Manager), Shyam Sundar J (Physiotherapist), Anjana Vannan (Doctor), Tushar Khedkar (Logistics Manager), and Periyasamy Ganesan (Net Bowler).

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The IPL resumed on Sunday after it had to be halted in May due to multiple COVID cases in its bio-bubble when the event was being staged in India. 

Certain COVID-19 protocols were placed for the players participating in the UAE-leg. As per the guidelines, Natarajan will have to isolate for a minimum of 10 days. He will be tested on day nine and day ten. And he will be allowed to return on field only if he tests negative in two RT PCR tests. 

Here are the complete protocols:

– All individuals within a bubble will be tested twice a week during the second week and thereafter every fifth day for the entire duration of the tournament.

– Any participant testing positive for COVID-19 will have to isolate for a minimum of 10 days.

– The individual will be tested on day nine and day ten.

– Two consecutive negative RT-PCR tests taken 24 hours apart, full resolution of symptoms, and no use of medication for more than 24 hours are mandatory for re-entry into a bubble.

– To account for any false positive tests resulting from historical infections, serology tests and repeat RT-PCR tests may be conducted.

– The saliva ban continues.

– If the ball goes in the stands or out of the stadium, it will be replaced. The original ball, when recovered, will be sanitised and placed in the ball library.