IPL 2021: BCCI suspends tournament amidst rising Covid positive cases

Amid the rising number of Covid-19 cases among the players and support staffs of different franchises, the BCCI on Tuesday suspended the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the time being.

Issuing a statement, the BCCI said: “The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect.”

“The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and well-being of all the stakeholders in mind. These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times. The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021,” it added.

The BCCI meanwhile said that it would like to thank all the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, franchises, sponsors, partners and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times.”

The development happened just after Delhi Capitals’ Amit Mishra and Sunrisers Hyderbad’s Wriddhiman Saha tested positive for the virus.

Earlier on Monday, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players – Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier – had returned positive for Covid-19 following which the BCCI suspended the game between KKR and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Also, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) bowling coach L Balaji and the franchise’s bus dricer also tested covid-positive.

News Desk

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