Madras HC directs BCCI to reply to PIL seeking cancellation of IPL due to Coronavirus

Madras High Court, on Thursday, asked  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.

READ: Coronavirus: MHA Issues New Travel Restrictions; Suspends Visas For All Foreign Nationals

BCCI to reply

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. PIL cited decision to stop all matches in Italy following outbreak of virus in country.  petitioner said he had sent a representation to authorities t to allow BCCI to conduct IPL T20 cricket matches. 

Madras HC's order came at a time when a PIL was filed in Supreme Court of India to ban cricket tournament. SC denied an urgent hearing of case and stated that case was t 'urgent' and that it can be heard when court reopens after vacation for Holi.

Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted BCCI sources and stated that foreign player will be available for this year's IPL till April 15 due to visa restrictions imposed by government.

developments take place as Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday anunced that at least one person who attended ICC Women's T20 World Cup finals on March 8 has been tested positive for coronavirus. 

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Travel advisory

On Wednesday evening, Union Government anunced that all existing visas, barring diplomatic, UN/International Organisations, employment and project visas, will stand suspended till April 15, 2020. 

This advisory also applies for people with visa-free travel, and to OCI cardholders, whose visa-free access will be temporarily suspended with effect from March 13, 2020. However, statement mentioned that any foreign national who intends to travel to India for any compelling reason may contact nearest Indian Embassy for furr clarity or guidance.

More than 62 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. official numbers have stopped being updated by Central government. deaths have been reported so far in India.

Globally, around 4,600 people have died due to Coronavirus, with epicentre being in China. virus has infected around 1,26,000 people globally and has w spread to rth America, South America, Europe, New Zealand, and to more than 100 or countries.

READ: MCG Confirms Attendee At Women's T20 World Cup Final Has Tested Positive For Coronavirus

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