DID CSK PACER KM ASIF BECOME 1ST PLAYER TO BREACH BIO-SECURE BUBBLE? FRANCHISE CEO RESPONDS 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer KM Asif reportedly became the first player in IPL 2020 to break the bio-secure bubble protocol. As per News18 reports, the Kerala pacer misplaced his hotel room key and apparently went to the reception to get a replacement.

As per rules, the reception area does not fall under the secure zone and the pacer was reported to have broken the bubble. He has also allegedly been slapped with a six-day quarantine in the wake of the breach, News18 further reported. 

Amid all the confusion, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has dismissed reports of Asif’s unfortunate happenings stating that Asif had gone to a separate area in the lobby which caters to the players, where the staff members are tested regularly for COVID-19.

“I don’t know if facts have been checked because while there is a reception in the lobby, the staff attending to the CSK unit is different. Asif obviously would not go and speak to the general staff. The boys know that there is a dedicated team working with the players," Viswanathan said. 

"The fact he lost the key and went and asked for a replacement is true. But he didn’t go to the regular staff working and went to the designated desk. The matter has been blown out of proportion and facts need to be kept in mind,” said Viswanathan as quoted by Cricket Next.

Further talking about the precautions being taken by the team, CSK CEO said, "We all know the gravity of the situation and how the coronavirus is deadly. In fact, I myself have not entered the floors where the players and support staff are staying. Their bubble is different from the bubble created for the officials," he added.

Highlighting about Asif; he is yet to feature in the on-going IPL 2020. He has so far played two matches for the franchise and has taken three wickets in them.      

“We are taking as many precautions as humanly possible. The players have undergone 14 tests so far and Asif too has been part of them and he is negative. Now, we cannot ask every staff member in the hotel to be a part of the bubble, but let me inform you that they are all being regularly tested,” the CSK CEO later noted.

Talking about CSK, MS Dhoni’s squad, have had a poor start to their IPL 2020 campaign. After defeating Mumbai Indians, CSK has suffered continuous defeats against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. They will next be seen locking horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.