The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended on May 4 after more COVID-19 cases emerged across other teams. Apart from Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakravarthy, the likes of Wriddhiman Saha and Amit Mishra also tested positive for the virus. This happened only around a week after IPL CEO Hemang Amin assured all the franchised including overseas players that they are safe inside the bubble.
Then how was the bubble suddenly breached? Many believe Varun Chakravarthy going to the hospital for scans was a breach but he used official 'green channel' for the same where all the precautions were taken and many players previously did it as well. However, NDTV has reported that a team coach and two players contracted the virus while travelling through the airport terminus.
Travelling was always going to be risky for the players during the pandemic and the risk factor increased when the state governments denied the request for tarmac access. There was always going to be contact with the outside world on airports during the travel.
Moreover, it has also been understood that food delivery from outside until last week which is again a breach. Food is expected to be delivered by the hotel where the teams are staying and it should be prepared by the staff which is also a part of the bubble. BCCI had left to the franchises to create their own bubbles and somewhere things weren't done properly.
Moreover, the tracking device taken from a Chennai-based company has also been deemed faulty. Many believe that the IPL should've taken place in the UAE where there were no glitches in the bubble last season.