IPL 2021 suspended due to increasing COVID-19 cases

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday suspended the ongoing edition of the IPL 2021, a decision taken after a number of COVID-19 cases emerged in the bio-bubble. 

The cricket governing body released an official statement in this regard confirming the same.

“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,” it read. 

“The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff, and the other participants involved in organizing 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.”

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“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 organize IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times,” it added. 

Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla while speaking to ANI said: “IPL has been suspended, we will see whether we can reschedule it. It is not canceled. It is just suspended for now.”  

Delhi Capitals spinner Amit Mishra and Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha on Tuesday tested positive for the virus. 

Both the members were part of the ongoing IPL and SRH was scheduled to take on defending champions Mumbai Indians on Tuesday evening.  

Meanwhile, three members of the Chennai Super Kings contingent tested positive for the virus on Monday, which included CSK bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji. 

Two Kolkata Knight Riders players – Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier – also tested positive for the novel coronavirus despite the event taking place inside a robust bio-bubble.

As per reports, it is believed that Chakravarthy, who recently had exited the bio-bubble for shoulder scans via a green channel, may have contracted the virus first.