Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday suspended the cash-rich 13th edition of the Indian Premier League till further notice amid the coronavirus pandemic which has brought the world to a halt.
The BCCI release also comes two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the lockdown till May 3. While the country was under an initial lockdown till April 14, the government has extended it till May 3.
The BCCI issued a statement saying that all stakeholders acknowledge that safety is of prime importance when it comes to hosting the cash-rich league or any other sporting event. The board will continue to monitor and review the situation.
"Due to the evolving global health concerns regarding COVID-19 and lockdown measures implemented by the Government of India to contain the spread of the pandemic, the IPL Governing Council of the BCCI has decided that the IPL 2020 Season will be suspended till further notice.
"The health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in our great sport remains our top priority and as such, the BCCI along with the Franchise Owners, Broadcaster, Sponsors and all the Stakeholders acknowledge that the IPL 2020 season will only commence when it is safe and appropriate to do so."
BCCI will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a potential start date in close partnership with all of its stakeholders and will continue to take guidance from the Government of India, State Governments and other State Regulatory bodies," the release said.
IPL was slated to commence on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium where the two finalists from last season – Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings would have locked horns.
Meanwhile, the ICC has put all international cricket on hold due to the deadly pandemic. BCCI was forced to call off the three-match ODI series against South Africa, while England has pushed back the start of their season until at least May 28 and several overseas signings have been avoided.
