IPL 2020: Josh Hazlewood says Chennai Super Kings’ coronavirus cases a ‘little bit of a concern’

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said he is obviously a ‘little bit’ concerned about reports of positive novel coronavirus cases in the Chennai Super Kings party in the UAE in the lead up to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

13 members of the Chennai Super Kings, including 2 players, tested positive for Covid-19 during the 6-day quarantine period after the teams arrived in the UAE. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the affected personnel as well as their close contacts were asymptomatic and isolated from other team members.

The positive cases in the CSK camp have come as a big setback to the team’s preparations as they are the only team that hasn’t hit the nets in the UAE. CSK players and the support staff have extended their quarantine period in Dubai and are likely to begin training only in the first week of September.

Vice-captain Suresh Raina’s decision to pull out of IPL 2020 has given raise to speculations even as CSK maintained they fully respect the batting star’s decision to miss the tournament due to ‘personal reasons’.

“We have a group WhatsApp with all the information that comes through, it’s obviously a little bit of a concern,” Hazlewood said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

“Ideally you’d have no cases, they are in quarantine now and I think that finishes up in the next few days. All my focus is on this tour at the moment and when the IPL comes closer we’ll think about that.”

Hazlewood, who was bought for his base price of Rs 2 crore by CSK in the IPL 2020 auction, is currently with the Australian side in England for their limited-overs tour, which will be played from September 4 to 16.

While Hazlewood is looking forward to his maiden stint with the MS Dhoni-led franchise, the Australian pacer believes he and his IPL-bound teammates will discuss with Cricket Australia if more positive Covid-19 cases come up in the lead up to the tournament.

“We haven’t spoken too much about it yet, it’s a few weeks away until we get there. I assume those things will come up if cases are still happening closer to the date, then we’ll touch base with Cricket Australia and have a chat,” Hazlewood said.

IPL 2020 will kickstart from September 19 and the final is scheduled to be played on November 10. It remains to be seen if CSK will play the opener as their preparation plans have been thrown into disarray.