No IPL matches to be held in Delhi in 2020

manishsisodia

manish_sisodia

In the wake of the coronavirus scare across the globe, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in New Delhi has stated that no games will be held in IPL 2020 in the national capital.

“We have decided to ban any sports activity where people will gather in huge numbers like IPL,” Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said.

Thus far, 75 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in India, with eight positive cases in the national capital. However, most are foreigners. One person has succumbed to the deadly disease in Karnataka.

KIRENRIJIJU

Earlier on Thursday, the Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju had admitted that they would urge the sports federations to not host matches where large spectators are gathered. However, they left the final decision to the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council. The final decision on the fate of the event will be taken on Saturday when the IPL officials will meet with the eight franchise owners. It is expected that the first few games will be held behind closed doors, just like the last two games of the ODI series between India and South Africa.

Maharashtra had also added that the IPL should either be postponed or played behind closed doors.

“The cabinet discussed the matter regarding IPL and we are of the view that big gatherings should be avoided. We have two options, IPL should be done without spectators or else matches should be postponed,” Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope had told reporters.

Currently, the ODI series between New Zealand and Australia too is being held behind closed doors, as is the Ranji Trophy final. The Indian Super League finals will also see no fans at the venue, as will the Indian Open badminton tournament.

With the IPL a highly-anticipated event, the fans will be hoping that the spread of the coronavirus is limited in the next few days so that the event can go ahead as planned.