The outbreak of the pandemic coronavirus had a toll on all the sporting activities across the globe including the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to postpone the league until April 15 which was scheduled to commence from March 29. But as things look now, the apex body has made up its mind to call off the tournament.
Going by the latest reports, Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI is waiting for the Indian Government and the Sports Ministry to come out with an official statement on visas. The board officials are likely to sit with the franchise officials and forward their decision to them when the 21-day lockdown ends on April 14 which also has a chance of extending further.
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While speaking to Indian Express, a source in the IPL administration, confirmed that BCCI is in no position to take the risk in terms of social distancing. He also confirmed that with no IPL happening this time, BCCI will also not hold the mega auctions ahead of the 2021 season.
“IPL will not happen this year. It will now happen next year. We all know how the situation is at the moment in the country and no one will take any risk. One can’t have social distancing in the stadium. It’s better to play IPL next year. Also, no mega auction will take place. We will inform the franchises once we get final confirmation from the Indian government, the same season can continue next season, the source said.
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Meanwhile, there will be a massive loss in terms of money if the tournament gets called-off. Earlier there were speculations that BCCI can pull off a tournament within 37 days like they did in 2009 but currently it does not look like a viable option and concrete update might soon come from BCCI.