The inevitable has happened. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend IPL 2020 till April 15th due to the Coronavirus scare prevalent in the country. BCCI in a Press Release went on to say that it is concerned about all its stakeholders and public health including that of fans.
At one stage, BCCI considered playing the Premiere Tournament in closed stadiums but the Government of India not allowing Visas to foreign players and support staff complicated things. Finally, BCCI had decided to postpone the tournament in the eve of prevailing conditions.
Certain State Governments like Delhi and Maharashtra have also extended their non-co-operation for the conduct of the tournament which forced BCCI to take this decision. Even after April 15th, if situations ease, BCCI will have to change the format of the league to fit into a smaller window.
The board may have to conduct the league within two to three venues so that unnecessary travel can be curbed. It is known to our readers that the 13th edition of IPL was earlier scheduled to commence from March 29, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings meeting at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the first match.
