IPL postponed as Covid cases pile up

Mumbai: After several players tested positive for Covid-19, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Tuesday, announced that they have unanimously decided to postpone Indian Premier League (IPL). "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," BCCI said in a release. “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,” said the statement.

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

Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier (KKR), CSK bowling coach and former Indian pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji and a support staff of the CSK travelling team are among those who tested positive. The whole CSK squad are under quarantine now as per the IPL protocol.