The Surge In COVID-19 Cases Makes IBL Open The Option To Continue The Second Series With A Centralized Bubble Format

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JAKARTA - The management of the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) has opened the option to continue the competition with a centralized bubble format following the temporary suspension of the second series in Bandung due to the outbreak of positive cases of COVID-19 among the participating club players.

The competition with a total bubble system has been implemented in the IBL 2021 competition season. The league is held in two places, namely Robinson Cisarua, Bogor for the location of the regular season, and Mahaka Arena Jakarta for the playoffs.

"The IBL 2022 season is still long and how do we keep trying and always be optimistic about starting and finishing the season again," said IBL President Director Junas Miradiarsyah, quoted from Antara, Saturday.

"The centralized bubble format as IBL has done before is an option, especially in the midst of the recent uncertainties in the COVID-19 situation," he said.

So far, IBL has prepared several options for the competition venue with the concept of a centralized bubble. However, the league is planned to be held in early March to give time for each team whose players have tested positive for COVID-19 to recover and join the team.

On the other hand, IBL management also continues to monitor all athletes and personnel who are exposed to COVID-19.

Junas stressed that he and the club have now agreed to prioritize the health and safety of the players.

"From daily monitoring of the development of COVID-19, both within the IBL and outside, IBL management held a meeting with the clubs and decided to focus more on safety at this time and how the best formula for the continuation of the season," concluded Junas.