Wuhan Virus hits IPL, tournament to be postponed
After many players cutting across teams tested positive for the Wuhan Virus, the tournament gets postponed indefinitely.
On Monday two players from KKR and 3 staff members of CSK tested positive canceling the match scheduled for the day. Later on, news came of two more players( of DC and SRH ) testing positive which raised doubts about the continuation of the tournament. Reports of the franchises and players feeling uneasy with the cases to continue playing were also reported.
The worst fears of cricket fans came true when the BCCI announced an indefinite suspension of IPL.
An official press release confirmed the same:
The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect.
The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind.
These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times.
The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.
The BCCI would like to thank all the healthcare workers, state
associations, players, support staff, franchises, sponsors, partners and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times.
The only available window for it to take place now is in September, BCCI officials have said further announcements will be made soon. Many players are reported to head back home, while the Australian contingent has been left in the doldrums due to air travel from India being banned to their home country. Reports say they will leave for the Maldives.
With the tournament postponed indefinitely franchises and the BCCI standing to lose over Rs 2000 crore. IPL contributes about 11 billion to the GDP.
