With the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 well underway, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has reportedly issued an advisory for COVID-19 among spikes in cases. There has been a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, and that has forced the BCCI to make this move.
The board has asked the franchises to take extra care of the players and staff members and take extra precautions as well. In recent news, India recorded over 5,300 new COVID cases in the past 24 hours, and the situation could get worse if proper care is not taken.
According to a source, the BCCI has requested that the franchises be extra careful in the wake of the rising cases. “BCCI has asked everyone to be more alert and cautious to curtail COVID in the IPL. We know cases are rising, but there is nothing to worry about; we have directed players and support staff to follow COVID guidelines,” the source was quoted as saying by IndiaToday.
“Health and safety of players are paramount for us. What so ever will be the guidelines from the government will follow. Our team is monitoring the situation, and we are keeping track; as far as COVID is concerned, there is nothing to worry about,” the source reportedly further added.
Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in match Nine of the IPL 2023
Amidst COVID-19 concerns, the next game of the IPL will see the Nitish Rana-led Kolkata Knight Riders will take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ninth match of the tournament. The Kolkata Knight Riders are coming into the game on the back of a defeat to Punjab Kings, where rain interrupted play and the two-time champions lost the game through the DLS method.
On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore will be brimming with confidence as they beat the five-time champions Mumbai Indians in their first game of the competition. The Faf du Plessis-led side would be keen on registering their second win of the tournament as they take on Kolkata on April 7.