Xtra Time Web Desk: In a bid to maintain strict health protocols during the IPL 2021 Phase 2 matches in UAE, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new rule change. As per the new rule, if a ball goes into the stands it will no longer be used. A new ball will be used by the on field umpires. The ball once it is retrieved from the stands will be sanitized and kept in the ball library.
This rule change comes into effect as per the 46-page health advisory issued by BCCI. The BCCI officials are leaving no stone unturned so as to have a smooth completion of the remaining 31 matches of IPL 2021 in UAE. As it has been the norm during this Covid-19 pandemic, a ball that has been hit into the stands is sanitized and then used.
The new rule change by BCCI will see new balls being introduced every time the ball is hit into the stands during the IPL 2021, Phase 2 matches in UAE. It is learnt that fans will be allowed into the stands to watch the IPL 2021 matches across the three venues – Dunai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.