IPL 2020 Will Commence On April 15

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been postponed to April 15 from March 29 due to coronavirus scare. The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement regarding postponement of IPL.

BCCI statement

The statement reads that the decision to postpone IPL is taken as a precautionary measure as COVID-19 is now become a pandemic. But the statement should be read with the announcement that the Delhi government make about coronavirus. It said that that the government won’t allow any sporting activity in the capital due to health crisis.

The statement further reads that the board is sensitive towards public health and all its stakeholder. Also, it will take all necessary steps to ensure that all people including cricketers and fans remain safe from the virus. The board will work with all concerned ministries and authorities to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia made announcement

Manish Sisodia said that the gatherings of over 200 people at sporting events or conferences won’t be allowed until further notice. The restrictions on large gatherings were put for the purpose of prevention of COVID-19 epidemic. India has more than 70 coronavirus cases so far.

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Maharashtra Health Minister Wants IPL To Be Postponed

The Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra banned the ticket sales for the first match of the 2020 Indian Premier League. The match is between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings and it is scheduled for March 29.

Maharashtra imposes ban on ticket sale of IPL match

It is to avoid gathering of a large number of people amid the spread of coronavirus in the country. The 13th season of IPL will start on March 29 and continue till May 24 in the country. But Mumbai went into high alert when its total count of COVID-19 patients reached 7. Recently two persons tested positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra.

Health Minister of Maharashtra on the ticket sale ban

Rajesh Tope, the Health Minister of Maharashtra, said that the government cold consider postponing the IPL because of the coronavirus threat that had already killed over 3,000 people worldwide. He said large gatherings pose a greater risk of coronavirus spread. He informed the media persons that discussions were held in the official circle whether to postpone the IPL. He further said that a decision regarding IPL would be made shortly.

Sourav Ganguli on postponement of IPL

Board of Cricket Control in India President Sourav Ganguli asserted that IPL would start as scheduled and there would be no change in dates. He assured that all precautions would be taken to keep things safe. He further said that medical team was ready and in touch with leading hospitals so that everything was available.

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