BCCI suspends IPL till April 15 due to coronavirus

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) till April 15th amid Coronavirus outbreak.

The 2020 edition was scheduled to be played between March 29th and May 24th.

BCCI’s decision came a day before the scheduled meeting of the IPL Governing Council (GC) in Mumbai. On Saturday, prior to the GC meet, the BCCI office-bearers and the GC members are also expected to meet the team owners and other stakeholders.



BCCI’s decision will put to rest the speculations and uncertainty around the league for a while and allow the board time to take more informed decision on format, venues etc, a sources said.

BCCI said in a statement that it is “concerned” and “sensitive” about all its stakeholders, and public health in general, and it is taking “all necessary steps” to ensure that all people related to IPL, including fans have a safe cricketing experience.

“The BCCI will work closely with the Government of India along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all other relevant central and state government departments in this regard,” Jay Shah, secretary, BCCI, said in the statement.

On Thursday, the sports ministry had sent directive to all sports federations, asking them to hold all events closed doors, if they are unavoidable.

Earlier in the week, the Maharashtra state government banned sale of tickets for IPL in the state, while on Friday, the Delhi government said that it will not allow hosting of IPL matches in the current situation. Delhi has already asked Cinema halls to remain shut till March 31st.

ET had earlier reported that some of the options under consideration are hosting matches in limited venues in non-infected states, so as to limit travel, and closed-door matches.