The number of COVID-19 cases in the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) camp increased to six after two overseas players tested positive for the infection. As of now, the positive cases will not have an impact on DC’s fixture against Punjab Kings and both the teams will square off at Brabourne Stadium from 7:30 PM IST.
As per PTI, Tim Seifert is the overseas player who has tested positive for the infection. Earlier, Mitchell Marsh too had contracted the infection. Physio Patrick Farhart, Chetan Kumar, Abhijit Salvi and Akash Mane are 4 members of DC’s camp who have tested positive. All 6 members will be allowed to join the camp once they recover from the infection and complete the isolation period.
As of now, DC aren’t facing selection issues as the majority of their players are available for selection. But what happens in case there’s a COVID-19 outbreak in an IPL franchise and it is short of 10-12 players? Will it be allowed to play? Here’s what the BCCI’s rule says –
As per IPL’s playing conditions, a team can partake in a fixture if it has at least 12 players available for selection. Out of these 12 players, 7 should be Indian players. In case a team isn’t able to assemble 12 players, then the BCCI will take a call on the game.
“Unable to field a team on account of Covid for any match due to having less than 12 players available in the playing XI (of which at least seven must be Indian) plus one substitute fielder. The BCCI, at its discretion, will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season. If this is not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee. The decision of the Technical Committee will be final and binding,” the BCCI’s rule says.
As of now, DC have plenty of players available for selection and there’s no threat to their fixture against PBKS. Unlike 2021, the COVID-19 situation is under control in the country. During the India-West Indies series, the home camp was hit by COVID-19 cases but it had no impact on the fixtures. All the players recovered from the infection during the course of the series.
IPL 2022 is being completely played in Maharashtra and the teams are travelling from one venue to another via road. Though the 2nd round fixtures are scheduled to be played outside the state.
