The future of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) scheduled to start from March 29 looks gloomier with each passing day amid coronavirus threat. After Karnataka Government writing a letter to the Central Government denying permission to host IPL games, Maharashtra Government has now put a ban on selling tickets of the 13th edition of the cash-rich league.
Meanwhile, the buzz surrounding the forthcoming IPL was massive with the stakes even higher than that of the ICC T20 World Cup to follow later this year in Australia. The franchises have also started training in a bid to attain the perfect balance of the side. But the increasing threat of the novel coronavirus can play a spoilsport in the smooth functioning of the most followed franchise-based T20 league in the world.
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The global spread of the coronavirus is likely to claim another international sporting fixture. Earlier in the week, the Karnataka Government has sought the advice of the central government on whether matches should be held in Bengaluru, given the spread of the coronavirus. The government of Maharashtra is also keeping a close watch on the proceedings and has decided to ban the sell of tickets as of now.
“The decision taken by the Maharashtra government will be taken into consideration by us before we make a final call,” Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka Javed Akhtar said.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly had insisted on going on with the 13th edition of the IPL smoothly as per the schedule. He also said that all precautionary measures will be taken so that the players and the spectators don’t get infected with the virus, adding that a medical team is looking at finer details.
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“IPL is very much on. Everywhere, the tournaments are going on. England are already in Sri Lanka. South Africa are here. There are no issues,” Ganguly had said.
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host the tournament opener when defending champions Mumbai Indians go up against Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener.
