In a big move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday postponed the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League till April 15, as a prudent measure against the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation.
BCCI’s decision
According to the reports, the BCCI is taking all important steps to assure that all people associated with IPL including fans have a safe cricketing action this summer.
“The board will work jointly with the Government of India along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all other important Central and State Government departments in this regard,” the board notified within an official mail.
Board of Control for Cricket in India: We are concerned & sensitive about all our stakeholders, and public health in general, and are taking all necessary steps to ensure that, all people related to IPL including fans have a safe cricketing experience. pic.twitter.com/avG9CURfQv
— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2020
In a press conference, a BCCI official stated that it was decided that the best way ahead is to hold the IPL till April 15. “Yes, the internal decision has been made to postpone the start of the tournament and it will begin on April 15, the BCCI has informed the franchises about the same,” the official said.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI): We have decided to suspend #IPL2020 till April 15, as a precautionary measure against the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation. https://t.co/BcEh9VKtg8
— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2020
No IPL without overseas players
The decision comes in after the government decided to cancel all visas, except for a few official categories, till April 15 in the track of the developing scare of Coronavirus.
Moreover, the IPL franchises are clear that they are okay to have the games minus the fans, they want the foreign players as that is what makes the IPL a cricket carnival.
“Yes, we have been informed that the IPL will now start from April 15, but what we need clarity on the availability of the foreign players. The IPL loses its charm if we don’t have the four foreigners in the teams. After all, they are just as integral a part of the teams as the Indian stars,” an official of a franchise
