IPL cancellation on cards after three-week lockdown and Olympic postponement

New Delhi, Mar 24 (PTI) BCCI will be under tremendous pressure as cancellation of Indian Premier League looks inevitable after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a 21-day lockdown to tackle COVID-19 pandemic.

When BCCI had postponed IPL to April 15 earlier this month, it had said hosting tournament would only come into picture if situation around pandemic improves. However, it has only worsened since n with cases surging towards 500-mark in India.

Speaking to PTI, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly did t have much to say considering grim scenario.

"I can't say anything at moment. We are at same place where we were on day we postponed. thing has changed in last 10 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.

" BCCI should really consider postponing IPL w. As a premier event, we need to act with great responsibility. Contemplation of IPL is inhumane right w," KXIP co-owner Wadia told PTI

"Lets say even if situation improves by May and I hope it does, who is going to come and play? Will (foreign players) be even allowed to enter country?" he asked.

Earlier on Tuesday, concall of BCCI offficials and team owners was postponed as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in country and around world.

star-studded eight-team league was originally scheduled to start on March 29 in Mumbai. It seems BCCI is deferring anuncement 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 increasingly difficult to organise. At this point government is t even thinking about allowing foreign visas," a BCCI official in kw of things said.

Currently, each stakeholder is discussing ways to limit financial dam with insurance companies as well as broadcasters.

"With 21 day lockdown, it is virtually impossible that things will return to rmalcy by April 14. It might improve but a lot of restrictions will be in place. So it will be foolish t to cancel league," a BCCI veteran said.