LPL Foreign Player quarantine SLC seeking “practical approach” quarantine rules for LPL

By Bipin Dani

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is seeking a “practical approach” on quarantine rules for the foreign players who are to come to play in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). 

The authorities have been awaiting the guidelines from the Health Ministry and hoping to see some relaxation on quarantine rules, according to Prof. Arjuna de Silva, the chairman of the SLC’s Medical Panel. 
The tour of Bangladesh was postponed though the players were to arrive via chartered flights.  

Speaking to Daily Mirror, he said, “Covid 19 is a fluid situation. There is no rule book. Nothing is written in stone. We need to use the latest science and technology to help sports move forward”. 

“Currently the bio-secure bubble seems to be working well. Using charter flights combined with a robust testing strategy you will have a secure system. We would like to use this in the LPL, South Africa and England tours”. 
“We may see some freedom be given to the players coming via non commercial flights from one bubble to another and play here.”

In the meantime, Manpreet Gony is “excited” to play in the LPL.

 “We have not been playing cricket for so long due to corona and therefore I don’t want to miss it,” he said. 
“I have already retired from international cricket and therefore NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the BCCI (Board of Control of Cricket in India) is not required,” Gony, who played two T20Is, added. 

Another Indian player, Manvinder Bisla has pulled out because of the strict quarantine rules, it is learnt.