The future of the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) looks in deep waters in the wake of the rising growth of coronavirus pandemic. In the latest development, the Delhi Government has decided to ban all the IPL games amidst all the threats from novel coronavirus. The Aam Admi Party is the third state government to take a stand on IPL after Karnataka and Maharashtra Government.
The novel coronavirus has halted many global sporting events. On March 11 (Wednesday), the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) a pandemic. As the numbers say,118 countries have been affected by COVID-19, classified as a respiratory illness. More than 120,000 people have been infected with over 4,300 deaths worldwide. In India so far, 73 people have been infected with no deaths as yet.
Read More: Australia fast bowler Kane Richardson tested for coronavirus
Furthermore, the participation of the overseas cricketers also looks in doubts after a Central Government directive stated that all visas have been cancelled till April 15. It comes as a part of measures to contain the spread of the pandemic which has put IPL’s scheduling in doubt. The Sports Ministry has also asked all National Sports Federations (NSFs), including the BCCI to follow the Health Ministry’s guidelines.
In the latest development, Deputy Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia expressed that they have banned all sporting activities including the IPL until next order. He also added that their main intention is contain people from gathering in large number to rule out any chances of spreading of the pandemic.
Read More: David Warner likely to miss IPL 2020
“Sports activities, seminars, conferences, we have decided to shut them. No sports event including IPL would be allowed in Delhi until the next order. Coronavirus is spreading, we have decided to maintain social distance. IPL is a big event, many people come from various corners, I would also like to appeal to the people,” Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia told reporters.
“If BCCI decides to play the tournament in a different format it is up to them. Our intent is just to control the gathering. We will implement this for at least a month,” he added.
IPL 2020 is slated to commence from March 29 with defending champions Mumbai Indians locking horns with Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
