IPL 2021 suspended with immediate effect amid surge of COVID-19 cases

Taking serious note of bio-bubble breaches and positive COVID-19 cases in four different teams’ camp across Delhi and Ahmedabad, the BCCI and Indian Premier League (IPL) governing council have suspended IPL 2021 with immediate effect. Also Read: IPL 2021: Potential side-effects of the IPL bio-bubble breach The board and IPL authorities took the decision in an […]
 
?width=963&height=541&resizemode=4
IPL 2021 suspended with immediate effect amid surge of COVID-19 cases

Taking serious note of bio-bubble breaches and positive COVID-19 cases in four different teams’ camp across Delhi and Ahmedabad, the BCCI and Indian Premier League (IPL) governing council have suspended IPL 2021 with immediate effect.

Also ReadIPL 2021: Potential side-effects of the IPL bio-bubble breach

The board and IPL authorities took the decision in an emergency meeting, choosing to postpone the event indefinitely with 31 matches remaining. The Indian board said in an official statement that the health safety of everyone involved is its ultimate priority.

“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,” the statement issued by BCCI on Tuesday (May 4) read.

IPL 2021 suspended with immediate effect amid surge of COVID-19 cases

IPL 2021 has been suspended with immediate effect.

IPL 2021 suspended with immediate effect amid surge of COVID-19 cases

Speculations are rife that the IPL 2021 could resume after a pause with a rescheduled itinerary in Mumbai, but in their statement, the BCCI hinted that the rest of the tournament may not be held anytime soon.

IPL 2021 suspended with immediate effect amid surge of COVID-19 cases

The board has recognised the need for everyone involved to be with their families at this point in time and also mentioned that it will be doing everything it can to arrange for all individuals’ safe departure, including those from overseas feeling anxious because of stringent international travelling regulations.

“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 board further said in its statement.

“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, franchises, sponsors, partners and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times.”

Two players in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp and three non-playing members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday (May 3). It led to the postponement of KKR’s encounter versus Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) yesterday night in Ahmedabad.

Further, CSK informed the BCCI that they won’t be able to play Wednesday’s (May 5) scheduled IPL fixture against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Delhi because of health safety reasons.

On Tuesday afternoon, Wriddhiman Saha of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Amit Mishra of Delhi Capitals (DC) joined the list of positive tested individuals.

With the bubbles being breached and the possibility of even more positive tests being observed in the coming days looming, the BCCI was forced to indefinitely postpone the tournament.