IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians, KKR upset with Abu Dhabi quarantine norms

Guwahati: IPL defending champions Mumbai Indians and two-time winner Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are upset with the quarantine protocols of Abu Dhabi, as both the teams will have to stay locked in their hotel rooms for seven more days, while the other six teams are already out on the field with practice sessions underway.

Both Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are based in Abu Dhabi, while the other six teams are staying in Dubai, and according to the COVID protocols of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, it is mandatory to complete 14 days quarantine before anyone is allowed to move outside, unlike Dubai that only follows seven days’ mandatory quarantine period.

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The teams staying in Dubai have already completed their mandatory quarantine period and are all set to start their practice sessions. While Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals have already started their practice sessions today, the Royal Challengers Bangalore will be starting their sessions from tomorrow, and eventually followed by the other three teams.

But the different sets of quarantine rules in the two emirates are affecting the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders’ plans by a week. Both the teams can start their practice sessions only from next week as they will have to remain inside their hotels for seven more days, given the COVID norms.

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“We have requested BCCI to intervene. We were told we have to follow 7 days quarantine period but now it has come to our knowledge that as per the local norms we will be in 14 days quarantine”, said a member of the support staff attached with the Mumbai Indians team.

KKR was the first team to land in UAE on August 20, while Mumbai Indians reached a day later on August 21.

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