‘The only solution is to get players vaccinated’ : BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla

The rise in Coronavirus cases in India just before the Indian Premier League (IPL) has left the BCCI concerned. Axar Patel and Devdutt Padikkal are the two players who have currently contracted COVID-19 while Nitish Rana has already recovered. Though the players will be in the bio-bubble during the tournament, the BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla reckons the players should be vaccinated.

Things aren’t looking ideal at the moment especially in Mumbai and many eyebrows were raised after 10 groundsmen of Wankhede Stadium were tested positive for the virus. Four teams are currently in the financial capital of India and there are concerns over the recent surge in the city. BCCI has also kept Hyderabad and Indore as backup options to host a few matches if the situation worsens.

Rajeev Shukla reckons that the only solution currently is to get the players vaccinated. He also informed that the BCCI is mulling over the idea to get in touch with Health Ministry for the same reason. “In order to cope with this coronavirus rise, I think the only solution is to get vaccinated. BCCI is also thinking on those lines that players should be vaccinated.

“Nobody knows when coronavirus is going to end and you can’t give a deadline that by this time frame, it will not be there so players can play easily. So, I think now will have to think over that. Vaccination should be done for the players also,” Shukla said according to NDTV.

Health and safety of players is of utmost importance

Rajeev Shukla, meanwhile, also stated that the board is keeping a watch on the happenings over all the six venues which are hosting the IPL. Concerns are with Mumbai which is set to host 10 matches from April 10 to 25.

“We are keeping a close eye on each venue regarding Covid-19 cases, as of now no decision has been taken but Indore and Hyderabad are on standby. Will see what to be done, health and safety of players is of utmost importance,” BCCI VP further added.