The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) was supposed to kick off from March 29, but due to coronavirus outbreak, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the 13th season till April 15.
Recently, the Government of India had suspended all tourist visas and e-visas granted on or before March 11.
“All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/international organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till April 15, 2020,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Health read.
This has raised doubts over the participation of foreign players in the upcoming edition of the lucrative league.
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend IPL 2020 till 15th April 2020, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation.
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.
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 IPL statement read.
The IPL will be pushed back by a couple of weeks, start around April 15. Will be held without the crowds, same number of matches with more double headers being added. The franchises have approved this formula. #IPL #CoronavirusPandemic @IPL
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 13, 2020
Starting around April 15, without the crowds
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 13, 2020
