Dinesh Karthik insists staying within the IPL’s bio-secure bubble is the least the players can do, given the difficulties so many of the supporters face at present.
Several players have opted out of this year’s competition, citing personal reasons for staying away.
Suresh Raina, the highest profile departure, was quoted as being skeptical about the biosecurity measures that are in place for the event.
The eight franchises have a list of procedures to adhere to in order to protect against the spread of Covid-19.
It means being partitioned away from the public for 80 days while the competition takes place across the UAE, with movement restricted to merely the team hotel at the grounds.
Karthik, the Kolkata Knight Riders captain, said it is a small price for the players to pay.
“It is a required thing right now with the pandemic,” Karthik said.
“What do we miss sometimes? Obviously the chance to go out. But I am willing to bargain that for the fact we can play a tournament like the IPL.
“Six months ago, when the pandemic struck us and we were in lockdown, all we wanted to do was play sport.
“Today we have an opportunity to play the sport, and more importantly the IPL, which is a tournament of big magnitude.
“If you get the opportunity to play in it, and people are able to watch on TV, the least we can do is be part of this bio-bubble, and go through some hardships off the field.
“We want to make sure we put some smiles on the faces of every person who is watching us.”
Karthik said his side will be motivated by the thought of entertaining their supporters back at home, many of whom also suffered during the cyclone which buffeted the area in May.
“This year is not so much about playing for us, it is about playing for [the supporters],” Karthik said.
“I say that because of all the atrocities that have happened in the world, not just the pandemic but also Cyclone Amphan that happened and the destruction it caused.
“The amount of lives that had to go through turmoil during those times, I genuinely feel we will be playing the tournament for two reasons.
“Yes, to play to win it, but most of all for the people of West Bengal and the people who have supported KKR throughout. We want to put a smile on their faces.
“Through our cricket, if we play the right brand of cricket, I’m sure we can put a smile on the faces of every KKR fan out there.”
KKR start their IPL campaign when they face Mumbai Indians at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in the capital on Wednesday, September 23, starting at 6pm.
'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
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Indian origin executives leading top technology firms
Sundar Pichai
Chief executive, Google and Alphabet
Satya Nadella
Chief executive, Microsoft
Ajaypal Singh Banga
President and chief executive, Mastercard
Shantanu Narayen
Chief executive, chairman, and president, Adobe
Indra Nooyi
Board of directors, Amazon and former chief executive, PepsiCo
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.4-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20366hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E550Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESix-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh360%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
RESULT
Manchester City 5 Swansea City 0
Man City: D Silva (12'), Sterling (16'), De Bruyne (54' ), B Silva (64' minutes), Jesus (88')
