The Board of control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday suspended the thirteenth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) “till further notice” due to outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which claimed over 400 hundred lives and has affected more than 12,000 people across the country.”Due to the evolving global health issues regarding COVID-19 and lockdown measures enforced by the govt. of India to break the chain of the pandemic, the IPL Governing Council of the BCCI has decided that the IPL 2020 will be suspended until further notice,” said BCCI secretary Jay Shah. The IPL was set to begin on 29 March and end on May 24, was primarily postponed until 15 April once a surge of coronavirus positive cases in the country. However, with the situation not allowing any sporting activity to be conducted across the country and in midst of 40 day lockdown the BCCI did not issue any fresh date.”The health and safety of the nation and everybody involved in the event is our top priority, the BCCI along with the franchise owners, broadcaster, sponsors and all stakeholders acknowledge that the IPL 2020 season can only begin once it’s safe,” Shah further said.“BCCI will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding the potential start date and will continue to take guidance from the Govt. of India, State Govt.s and other State Regulatory bodies,” Shah added. “Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman said that the IPL should be played before the T20 World Cup that is scheduled to be held in Australia in October & November. Former England batsman, Kevin Pietersen suggested that the tournament should be shortened from its normal eight week duration and should be played behind closed doors.
Credits: Ansh Arora
Sportsbuzz 