MUMBAI: The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is wreaking havoc with sporting events being staged across the country. After the I-League, Indian Super League (ISL), AFC Asian Women’s Cup India 2022 and Santosh Trophy, the virus has reportedly breached the bio bubble of the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League in Bengaluru.
Outlook reports that at least 10 members of the Star Sports production team have been infected. Teams, organisers (Disney Star controlled Mashal Sports) and television production staff are staying in three different hotels in Bengaluru. One of the hotels, which has a large convention centre, has been turned into a venue for the matches.
The PKL schedule has been impacted since the broadcasters are unable to provide enough personnel to cover live games. Hence double-headers have been hit.
“It’s a temporary phase and we should be back in full force soon assuming that there is no further outbreak,” an official told Outlook.
On Tuesday, two of the 12 PKL Teams have found it difficult to field the requisite number of 12 players for their respective matches due to some players in these teams testing positive, the magazine further reports.
Another problem has been the hectic schedule forced on the teams. A few senior players have been injured and the tight schedule leaves no time to recover, a team official told Outlook.
The 2021-22 edition of PKL is scheduled to end on February 26.
