There was once a time when blockers had no part in T20 cricket anywhere, let alone the high-octane world of the IPL.
As you might have heard, though, we are living in weird times.
Now, the term blocker has tentatively entered the IPL lexicon – although it bears no relation to the usual meaning of the word in cricket.
Batsmen will still be required to forego forward-defensives, or blocks of any sort, to up the scoring rate when they get out on the fields of the UAE from September 19.
Instead, it refers to a convoluted safety measure designed to help secure players against Covid-19.
Before leaving for Dubai, Rajasthan Royals underwent extra testing over and above the standards demanded by the tournament’s organisers.
As part of their extra precautionary measures, they tested players for antibodies.
The theory was that, if there were players who had had the virus previously, they would have been strategically placed when it came to assigning rooms at the team hotel, to act as blockers for the virus.
As it turned out, it was inconsequential, but it goes to show the extent to which teams are going to get this tournament on.
Private charter flights transported them, and players travelled in hazmat gear, which they changed at precise times.
When they arrived at the team hotel their kit bags were sanitised and put in storage for six hours before being returned to them.
“It is all about maintaining the health and safety of everybody in this tournament,” John Gloster, who is in charge of the Royals’ medical operation, said in a webvideo charting the side’s journey to UAE.
“The process [since arriving in UAE] becomes even more complicated because we have to follow the UAE government guidelines, as well as the BCCI protocols that are in place.
“We, as the Rajasthan Royals, want to be seen as the organisation that is helping other sports learn about how to play and compete and be safe in the Covid world.
“Yes, it is going to be different, but at the end of the day this is all about playing sport, and we are all professionals.”
According to Mike Hesson, the director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore, players mental and emotional well-being needs to be looked after, too.
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Gallery UAE cricket stadiums and training facilities
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“Players have spent the last few months in a variety of environments and are therefore in different stages of fitness and training,” Hesson, the former New Zealand coach, told RCB's website.
“A singular training approach is not the best route to start getting ready for the season.
"Our support staff will continue working in a way that is flexible and offers personalised support.
“We have a highly-skilled support staff team to nurture the players mentally, physically and emotionally to assist each players preparation so they are ready to play their best cricket.”
Simon Katich, RCB’s head coach, said the team will initially train in separate groups, once they are out of quarantine in their hotel rooms.
“Given the unique circumstances Covid-19 has presented to everyone worldwide, we are just extremely grateful to be in a position that we can get back to putting on a show for IPL in the UAE,” Katich said.
“Our preparations have revolved around giving the players at least three weeks to get back into the routine of training their skills and getting their bodies ready for the competition, so they can build up gradually and try to minimise any injuries.
“We have several split-group sessions planned initially to help give the batsmen plenty of time getting volume in after such a long layoff.
“It also ties into helping mitigate any risks with Covid by not having the full squad training all at once either.
“Once everyone has got their touch and rhythm back with bat and ball, we will move into more competitive training before the scheduled practice matches and the start of the tournament.”
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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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THE SPECS
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Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
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Maestro
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
