IPL 2020: BCCI comes up with a unique way for players to maintain social distance

13th edition of Indian Premier League is all set to be played in UAE starting September 19 with final scheduled to be played on vember 10. This year's tournament is going to be one of a kind where several new rules have been adopted due to COVID-19 pandemic and  fans will miss a lot of things from usual IPL tournament.

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IPL 2020: BCCI introduces Bluetooth bands to ensure social distancing among players

initial phase of cricketing extravaganza will be played behind locked doors due to COVID-19 pandemic. Players will also have to avoid any physical contact and have to practice social distancing before and during tournament. In an attempt to ensure that players maintain social distancing, BCCI has come up with a unique solution.

During a webinar conducted by IPL 2020 officials on Monday, it was revealed that players will have to wear a special Bluetooth wrist band that will sound an alarm if y break two-metre distance rule. players are supposed to wear that band all time and can only take it off when y go to sleep. In fact,  family members of players staying with m are also bound to wear band, although re is clarity yet on functioning of this device.

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Players are also prohibited from going to each or's rooms before, as well as, during tournament. y are allowed to meet each or at doors of ir rooms or in designated meeting areas but will have to follow two-metre social distancing requirement. While sitting on  team bus, players have to sit in a zig-zag fashion so that y don’t come in each or’s contact. During webinar, a few players requested access to hotel lobby, but it was denied. Apart from that, during photo shoots, camera crew will have to wear PPE kits and hairstylists will have to use m when y are on job.

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Rajasthan Royals pacer Jaydev Unadkat opened up on difficulties from players' point of view. While speaking to  Indian Express, Unadkat said that  restriction about t going into each or’s rooms will be most difficult part for players because y have never faced it in past. He added that one needs someone to talk to while away from home for such a long time. Unadkat reckoned that it is easier to say than to actually do, however, he admitted that re is choice.

Unadkat furr said that y can go to a private beach or at team gym or team room. He added that those are places where y can meet. Royals pacer stated that players can’t visit each or's rooms. He also said that y have to wear Bluetooth band to ensure social distancing.

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IM COURTESY: SUNRISERS HYDERABAD TWITTER