CSK amid criticism for airlifting COVID-19 positive L Balaji and Hussey

Three-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have managed to stir controversy in the cricket fraternity by airlifting their bowling coach L Balaji and batting coach Michael Hussey from New Delhi to Chennai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) postponed the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the bio bubble was breached and the players and staff returned positive Covid-19 test.

Three of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) members including the likes of the bowling and batting coach and the bus cleaner tested positive for the novel coronavirus. “Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji and a member of the travel support staff positive for covid-19 on a test taken in Delhi on 2nd May.

“They have been isolated from the rest of the squad as per IPL medical protocols and are in good spirits. They are being monitored by the BCCI and CSK medical teams. The Super Kings have extended all the support to the two and wish them a speedy recovery and a quick return to the squad. The rest of the Super Kings squad will remain in isolation as per IPL protocols,” CSK had said in a statement.

As the tournament was canceled all the players whether Indian or overseas quickly moved out of the bio bubble and started their return journey towards their respective homes. Meanwhile, CSK decided to take Balaji and Hussey to Chennai. CSK was present in Delhi as they were scheduled to play four matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the capital city.

IPL franchises unhappy with CSK

However, the incident of the Super Kings airlifting their players raised many eyebrows as other franchise members questioned how can Chennai allow two Covid-19 cases to move out of their rooms. “How come two positive case people were allowed to walk out of their room? They potentially risked the driver, people at the airport including security officials.

“BCCI’s guidelines say positive cases need a 10-day quarantine and should return with 2 negative tests on the 9th and 10th day and should not show any symptoms without taking medication,” a franchise official told timesnownews.com.

“This is endangered not just BCCI but government protocols as well. This now how one of the top franchises in IPL should act,” said another official.