IPL suspended

World’s richest T20 league halted after more COVID-19 cases  

Shakib Al Hasan looks to return to Bangladesh for Sri Lanka ODIs  

The Indian Premier League, the world’s richest Twenty20 cricket tournament, was suspended for safety reasons on Tuesday as India battles a massive surge in coronavirus cases.  

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

Wridhiman Saha was the latest player to have tested positive for COVID-19, after Monday’s IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore was postponed after two Kolkata players Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier tested positive. 

Amit Mishra, who plays for the Capitals is also reported to have tested positive.   

It is reported that several foreign players are also eager to return home at the earliest, with Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan said to be keen to leave via chartered flight so that he could feature in the three ODI match series against Sri Lanka.  

All team owners are considering sending foreign players home via chartered flight.  

India is also due to host the Twenty20 World Cup in October and November.  

The big-bucks IPL has been running since early April, even as India’s health care system has been overwhelmed by a vicious second wave of virus cases.  

This prompted criticism from some who said the competition was inappropriate, while others defended it as a welcome distraction. 

 
The players from the eight teams have been in strict bio-bubbles as matches take place in six cities including New Delhi and Mumbai, both badly hit by the pandemic.  

“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 statement said.  

“The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.”