In another grim news, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians wicket-keeping consultant Kiran More has tested positive for COVID-19, days ahead of the start of IPL 2021. The 14th edition of the tournament commences on April 9 with the defending champions locking horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The Mumbai squad is currently in Chennai and in their final phase of preparation for IPL 2021. The franchise also revealed that the former Indian cricketer is asymptomatic and has been put in isolation. The tweet also updated that the Mumbai Indians medical team is taking care of the ex-cricketer and all the protocols are being followed.
Kiran More tests COVID-19 positive
“Mr. More is currently asymptomatic and has been isolated. Mumbai Indians and Kiran More have followed all the BCCI health guidelines. The MI medical team will continue to monitor Mr. Kiran More’s health and abide by the BCCI protocols,” Mumbai Indians said in a statement.
“We would like to remind our fans to be safe and follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviours in these difficult times,” it added.
We would like to remind our fans to be safe and follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviours in these difficult times. (3/3)
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 6, 2021
Previously, 12 ground staffs at the Wankhede Stadium had tested positive, along with members of the event management team. Players Axar Patel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Nitish Rana too had contracted the virus. While Rana has recovered, Axar and Padikkal have quarantined themselves. If reports are to be believed, the RCB opener is likely to miss the season opener against Mumbai Indians.
Meanwhile, there has been a huge surge in the COVID-19 cases in India with the death rate going up each passing day. Maharashtra has accounted for 50 percent of the total cases in India. Amid all these, Mumbai is set to host matches from April 10 to April 25. However, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that IPL 2021 will go on as per the schedule.
more to follow…