MEA advises against IPL 'at this time'; leaves decision to organisers, amid Coronavirus

Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday advised organisers of Indian Premier League (IPL) to t conduct tournament amid Coronavirus scare in country. In 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."

'y can't come till April 15'

Earlier in day, a top BCCI source told PTI that foreign player will be available for this year’s IPL till April 15 due to visa restrictions imposed by government to contain vel coronavirus threat, casting fresh doubts on fate of event. “ foreign players who play in IPL come under Business Visa category. As per government’s directive, y can’t come till April 15,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anymity.

government issued a fresh advisory with a ban on all existing foreign visas, except a few categories like diplomatic and employment, till April 15 in wake of new positive cases of vel coronavirus in country.  fate of IPL itself will be decided on March 14 at event’s Governing Council meeting in Mumbai. Having IPL, starting March 29, played in empty stadiums is an option being explored.

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'We have asked all NSFs to follow latest advisory'

sports ministry has asked all national federations, including BCCI, to follow Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large garings in sports events keeping in mind vel coronavirus pandemic. "We have asked all NSFs (National Sports Federations), including BCCI, to follow Health Ministry's latest advisory, which says public garings should be avoided in all events, including sporting activities," PTI quoted Sports Secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya as saying.

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(With ncy inputs)