The forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League has been suspended until April 15 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. The 13th season of the league was originally set to begin from March 29. Due to the recent spread of Covid-19, the Indian government had put a fresh restriction on visas.
Meanwhile, it was reported yesterday (March 12) that the tournament will take place behind closed doors after the Ministry of Sports had come up with the advisory. The advisory clearly stated that any sporting event in the country should be avoided and if it is unavoidable, it should be held without any public gathering.
The final decision on the future of the tournament was expected to be taken in the Indian Premier League Governing Council meeting, which was scheduled for tomorrow (March 14) in Mumbai. However, a BCCI media release signed by board secretary Jay Shah confirms that the marquee event has been suspended till April 15. BCCI states that it is pushing the start date of the tournament to April 15 as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus.
“The BCCI is concerned and sensitive about all its stakeholders, and public health in general, and it is taking all necessary steps to ensure that, all people related to IPL including fans have a safe cricketing experience,” a BCCI media release signed by board secretary Jay Shah stated.
“The BCCI will work closely with the Government of India along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all other relevant Central and State Government departments in this regard.”
The World Health Organisation on Wednesday had declared coronavirus as a pandemic. All the sporting events across the globe are taking place behind closed doors or have been suspended or postponed. The IPL now joins the list of UEFA Champions League, ATP tour and the NBA which have been affected by coronavirus.
The IPL is one of the biggest T20 leagues in the world and it is now under threat of even getting started. The future of the upcoming season will now depend on how the control is gained on the virus.
Written by: Gautam Chauhan
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