High fives are among the things that Melbourne Stars players are banned from doing with star import Andre Russell. After only arriving in Australia last week, the West Indian, along with Qais Ahmed, is still under a strict set of Covid rules.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the marquee duo are set to be given their own private dressing room. All of this is designed to speed up their availability while still adhering to Cricket Australia's guidelines for overseas players.
The most stringent of these guidelines is a strict no physical contact rule. This will mean that any form of celebration will need to be done at a safe distance.
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While the rules seem slightly over the top, they're designed to ensure that the BBL can continue safely. Without the overseas marquee players, the competition would lose some of its lustre, making the protocols crucial.
Both Russell and Ahmed still have four days of guidelines to follow before fully joining the BBL bubble. The pair spent three days in quarantine after landing in Sydney earlier this week.
With both Ahmed and Russell being known for their flair and celebrations, Stars players will have to be careful should either perform any heroics at the MCG on Friday night.
