'Necessary to keep everyone safe' - Rajasthan Royals react to England, Australia players missing their IPL 2020 opener

Due to England’s white-ball series against Australia in September, many world-class players of both sides will join their respective IPL franchise a bit late. After the completion of the white-ball series on September 16, players from both sides will need to undergo a mandatory six-day quarantine in the UAE.

Several players from Australia and England are most likely to miss the opening encounter of this year’s IPL. However, on the positive side, these players will get in the rhythm and will be match-ready before joining their IPL sides. England players have already started playing international cricket but the upcoming series comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is will be the first one for the Aussies.

The series will also benefit Rajasthan Royals’ Steven Smith. Apart with Smith, Royals are also stacked with several English players– Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes. All these English players have already gained match practice by donning the national jersey in the traditional format.

Rajasthan Royals, on English and Australian players missing their opening fixture, said that it is essential to follow the BCCI’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

“English and Australian players will be competing against each other in a high-quality series right before the IPL which has many positives because it’ll enable them to be at full match fitness.

Suspected or positive cases will immediately be isolated from the team: Rajasthan Royals COO

“They’ll be competing at the highest level before the IPL where they’ll be playing against the best players day in day out. They may miss the first match due to the protocols put in place by the BCCI but we believe the protocols are necessary to keep everyone safe,” Jake Lush McCrum, Rajasthan Royals COO said as quoted by The Times of India.

Upon their arrival, the players will be tested on day 1, 3 and 6 and if the results are negative, they can enter the tournament’s bio-bubble. McCrum also revealed that if a player tests positive during the IPL window, he’ll be immediately isolated from the side.

“Suspected or positive cases will immediately be isolated from the team and the case will be managed by a team doctor in accordance with IPL medical team. Contract tracing will begin immediately. BCCI are putting together a list of accredited hospitals which will be fully equipped to handle all such cases. All cases will, however, be treated as per set guidelines and protocols of the UAE government,” said McCrum.

The CCO also pointed out that Royals have got fantastic sponsors continuing from last season and they’ve secured some new partners too.

“We’ve got fantastic sponsors continuing from last season and have secured some high-quality new partners too. We want to maximise our partners’ return on investment, while certain partnerships, such as with Niine, enable us to have a hugely positive social impact too,” added McCrum.