The 14th edition of IPL has started from 9th of April, and in the season opener RCB has defeated MI.
In the recent times when international cricket started again we came to know a new term called “Bio-Bubble”. Since the outbreak of pandemic (COVID-19) all sports has been played inside bio-bubbles.
WHAT IS BIO-BUBBLE OR BIO-SECURE ENVIRONMENT?
The global pandemic has affected the whole ecosystem, shaken the whole world.
Since then “Bio-Bubble” and “Bio-secure environment” have become most common terms associated to cricket, and not only cricket but all other sports also.
We will be talking about Bio Bubble in cricket in this article.
In easy terms we can say that a “Bio-Bubble” is a risk-free, safe environment where all people related with that sport (Players, Support staff, broadcasters, officials, administrators etc.) live together without direct interaction with outside world.
Cricket is a very big source of entertainment especially in India, so this term “Bio-Bubble” was introduced. So that players can play cricket without the tension of getting affected by the virus.
The size or number of Bio-Bubbles depend on nature and size of the tournament. Talking about the IPL, all the 8 teams have their separate Bio-Bubbles to prohibit the contact with virus.
WHAT IS THE NEED FOR BIO-BUBBLE?
A Bio-Bubble is planned to prevent the spread the COVID-19. All venues reserved for the tournament including the hotels where teams stay, the restaurants, parks and other places for spending leisure time have been covered in Bio-Bubble. This will reduce the chances of Players and other concerned people getting in contact of virus.
International Cricket Council (ICC) and its member boards have implemented Bio-Bubbles to minimize the risk of spread of virus from person to person during any ongoing tournament (Domestic/ International) or series.
Though Bio-Bubbles don’t give 100% guarantee that they are completely risk-free but it reduces the chances to a very great extent.
BIO-SECURE ENVIRONMENT IN IPL 2021
All the teams and staff are strictly following the rules and safety measures inside the Bio-Bubble.
All the players are doing their practice, gym sessions, spend their leisure time in their respective Bio-Bubbles, where they are allowed to go to specific places only at specific times.
Despite of strict implementation of Bio-Bubbles we saw that some players and support staff and other people were tested COVID positive, which shows that there is no guarantee of 100% safety, hence it is in hands of individuals to stay safe.
WHAT IS BIO-BUBBLE BREACH?
Bio-Bubble breach means not following the rules in Bio-Bubble, or going out of Bio-Bubble without proper precautions.
The players or any other person can be penalized or fined if they breach the Bio-Bubble protocols while within the Bio-Secure Environment. Hence, players and other concerned people follow the protocols strictly for the safety of their own and others. In some cases spectators are allowed inside the stadium, and any contact of players or support staff with the spectators is also a Bio-Bubble breach
IPL 2021 IN BIO-SECURE ENVIRONMENT?
At first the COVID active cases in India came down, So the decision was made by BCCI to allow spectators in Stadiums. But with the second wave of Corona, the BCCI reversed its decision and decided that there won’t be any spectators in the stadium. If the situation becomes good, and the danger of COVID is less then BCCI may allow 50% spectators (50% of capacity of stadium) in the stadiums.
The duration of tournament is 52 days for league stage.
IPL 2021 will be played across 6 venues viz. Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. Each team will play at only 4 venues to reduce the travel. Hence each team will be travelling only 3 times during the league stage matches. All venues have Bio-Bubbles reserved for teams and broadcasters.
WHAT IS BIO-BUBBLE FATIGUE IN CRICKET?
In simple terms fatigue refers to too much tiredness due to exertions which may be physical or mental. Similarly, the Bio-Bubble fatigue takes place due to spending time inside Bio-Secure environment only.
Living in same environment for long time, not meeting people affect everyone mentally. Hence due to stay in Bio-Bubble for elongated periods, players complain about Bio-Bubble fatigue.
Players and support staff and other concerned people stay in similar environments for long time. Not able to meet family, friends. And then comes the pressure of performing well on field results in Bio-Bubble fatigue.
