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Xtra Time Web Desk: Amidst growing concerns with COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keeping Hyderabad and Indore as standby. With less than a week to go before the start of IPL 2021, all the four teams based in Mumbai are extremely concerned. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are currently in Mumbai.

It was earlier reported that eight ground staffs of Wankhede Stadium has tested positive. Delhi Capitals left arm spinner Axar Patel has also returned positive for COVID-19. A member of the social media team of Chennai Super Kings has also tested positive. Both of them are isolating from their respective teams. To make matters worse as many as six members from BCCI organizing team has also tested positive. Each of the above cases are all in Mumbai.

 “You do get a little concerned when you hear such things days before the start of the tournament. We have all been following protocols to the core. But obviously, when such a news comes in, it makes us a little wary. We are looking at keeping things as tight as possible. Have to be on our guard,” a franchise official told ANI.

Maharashtra on Saturday recorded 47,913 new cases of COVID-19 with Mumbai reaching 9,000-mark. With Wankhede Stadium hosting 10 matches in the early stages of the tournament, franchises are now concerned about players’ safety. A franchise official called on the BCCI to enforce stricter protocols amid rising calls for a state-wide lockdown in Maharashtra.