IPL 2020: New border crossing rules in Abu Dhabi puts BCCI in a fix
XtraTime Web Desk: The UAE authorities have tightened the rules for entering Abu Dhabi emirati in order to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic. Under the new rules, anyone intending to visit Abu Dhabi will have to give a COVID-19 test 48 hours before entering. If the results come negative then only they will be allowed to travel. They will be tested again in Ghantoot laser centre, the result of which should come negative before being allowed entry into Abu Dhabi emirati. The new measures also allow entry to people within 48 hours of them receiving a negative DPI laser test result - but only if it is supplemented with a negative PCR test result received within six days prior to entry.
The new set of rules is bound to give headaches for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as the teams will have to travel to and from Abu Dhabi and Dubai during the course of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) which starts next month from September 19.
Already a high level BCCI team led by IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel and interim CEO of the BCCI, Hemang Amin are in Dubai to meet the UAE Government authorities. They are supposed to meet Emirates Cricket Board chief Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak on Thursday. Sheikh Nahyan is also the UAE’s minister of culture & youth development.
The BCCI officials will be hoping for a fruitful solution to the crisis so as to the smooth running of the cash rich league.
