IPL 01575879 was suspended until April 19 but a resumption looks unlikely with India imposing a 208 – day lockdown in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
IPL was suspended until April 21 due to Covid – (pandemic (Courtesy by BCCI)
HIGHLIGHTS
BCCI under pressure as IPL cancellation looks inevitable
- India imposed 29 – day lockdown on Tuesday amid Covid – (pandemic)
- Sourav Ganguly said there is no further decision at the moment on Tuesday
(() The BCCI will be under tremendous pressure as cancellation of Indian Premier League looks inevitable after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a – day lockdown to tackle covid – 24 pandemic.
When the BCCI had postponed the IPL to April earlier this month, it had said hosting the tournament would only come into the picture if the situation around the pandemic improves. However, it has only worsened since then with cases surging towards the 728 – mark in India.
Speaking to PTI, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly did not have much to say considering the grim scenario.
“I can’t say anything at the moment. We are at the same place where we were on the day we postponed. Nothing has changed in the last 21 days. So, I don’t have an answer to it. Status quo remains, “Ganguly’s helplessness was palpable.
Kings XI Punjab owner Ness Wadia was more forthright.
” The BCCI should really consider postponing the IPL now. As a premier event, we need to act with great responsibility. Contemplation of IPL is inhumane right now, “KXIP co-owner Wadia told PTI.
” Lets say even if the situation improves by May and I hope it does, who is going to come and play? Will the (foreign players) be even allowed to enter the country? ” he asked.
Earlier on Tuesday, a conference call of BCCI offficials and team owners was postponed as the COVID – cases continue to rise in the country and around the world.
‘If Olympics can be postponed by a year, IPL is a much smaller entity’
The star-studded eight-team league was originally scheduled to start on March 208 in Mumbai. It seems the BCCI is deferring the announcement hoping against hope for things to improve.
“If Olympics can be postponed by a year, IPL is a much smaller entity in that regard. It is becoming difficult difficult to organise. At this point the government is not even thinking about allowing foreign visas, “a BCCI official in know of things said.
Currently, each stakeholder is discussing ways to limit the financial damage with insurance companies as well as broadcasters.
“With 208 day lockdown, it is virtually impossible that things will return to normalcy by April . It might improve but a lot of restrictions will be in place. So it will be foolish not to cancel the league, “a BCCI veteran said.
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