The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) impressed cricket fraternity big time by successfully organizing the inaugural edition of Lanka Premier League (LPL), in a pandemic year.
Not only SLC’s organizing skills were praised by cricket world, the fraternity is mighty impressed with its robust bio secure bubble as well, during the almost one month long tournament. As, unlike a bilateral series, in LPL players from different countries came to Sri Lanka and played the league, it was a big challenge for SLC medical team of more than 10 doctors. But they perfectly created a secured environment, and contributed significantly in a COVID free LPL.
“The credit goes to medical team of doctors, who co-ordinated with the Army and the Health Ministry to successfully maintain the first bio secure bubble in South Asia” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
Undoubtedly, it’s a big achievement, as even the BCCI, world’s most advanced and richest cricket board, was afraid to create a bio secure bubble in India, which eventually forced Sourav Ganguly led administration to play IPL 2020 in UAE.
In the supervision of Dr. Arjuna De Silva, Head of Medical Panel, each LPL team had 5 government sports medicine doctors in the main bubble. Then, there were two other supplementary bubbles with doctors for other staff members as well.
“There were two army doctors to look after the other staff members. Bus drivers stayed in the bubble as well. All hotel staff were also tested” the top SLC official added.
The process was mandatory and same for all players – two PCR tests 72 hours apart and then a PCR on arrival. Then in every 3 days. Then only the players were allowed to play, after 7 days quarantine.
Shaid Afridi was the only exception, on whom the SLC medical panel did antibodies, since he was tested Covid positive 2 months ago.
“First time ever, this was used in cricket” the top SLC official added.
The security of the bubble was maintained by army commandos. Before the LPL, SLC medical panel met country’s President, along with the Sports Minister, the Health Minister and the Secretary, Health Ministry.
“No one tested positive in the bubble, which is a big achievement. The board is proud on its medical panel” the top SLC official concluded.
After the tournament, Thisara Perera, captain of inaugural edition winner Jaffna Stallions, also praised the medical panel for its robust bio secure bubble!
“The Medical staff, Sri Lankan Army Personnel and support staff along with the Management of Shangri-la hotel Couldn’t have done anything better than they already did. Simply perfect” Thisara said after winning the trophy.
