MASSIVE: IPL 2020 put off till April 15 amid coronavirus fears; BCCI issues statement

Indian Premier League (IPL) has been pushed back to April 15, 2020 due to outbreak of coronavirus. decision was taken on Friday afteron by BCCI.

READ: IPL In Trouble? Foreign Players Unavailable Till April 15 After Visa Curbs: BCCI Sources

IPL postponed

An advisory released on Friday afteron quoted BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and said, " Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend IPL 2020 till 15th April 2020, as a precautionary measure against ongoing vel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation.

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. 

BCCI will work closely with Government of India along with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all or relevant Central and State Government departments in this regard."

READ: IPL In Delhi: Manish Sisodia Says 'big Events Banned In Wake Of COVID-19 Outbreak'

revised schedule will witness certain changes to format of tournament, with more doubleheaders expected. However, information regarding same has been anunced yet. 

decision to postpone tournament comes after increasing pressure on authorities to reschedule or cancel cricket tournament considering risk of virus. tournament will witness certain scheduling changes, to prevent tournament for extending for a long period.

BCCI sources had earlier stated that foreign player will be available for upcoming IPL till April 15 due to visa restrictions imposed by government in wake of COVID-19 outbreak. 

Tournaments across world have been postponed or rescheduled due to virus. UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, NBA, Tennis tournaments, Formula One races, etc have been temporarily suspended. Certain tournaments have also been canceled for this year. 

READ: Madras HC Directs BCCI To Reply To PIL Seeking Cancellation Of IPL Due To Coronavirus

On Thursday, Madras High Court had directed  Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking cancellation of Indian Premier League (IPL) due to outbreak of Coronavirus.  PIL was filed by advocate G Alex Benziger and it stated that virus was spreading all over  world rapidly and creating a huge epidemic disaster. 

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Thursday also advised organisers to cancel tournament this year. During a briefing by MEA, special appointee Dammu Ravi said, "I think it is for organizers to decide wher to go ahead with it or t. Our advice would be to t do it at this time but if y want to go ahead, it is ir decision."

READ: MEA Advises Against IPL 'at This Time'; Leaves Decision To Organisers, Amid Coronavirus