- BCCI has postponed the
IPL 2020 to April 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak. - Franchise owners are expected to meet BCCI officials on Saturday.
The IPL 2020 was slated to begin on March 29 however visa restrictions by the government which will keep foreign players away, forcing them to make this decision.
"The BCCI 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 release said.
The IPL 2020 is not the only major sporting event affected by the coronavirus. The UEFA Champions League, the NBA and the La Liga have also been suspended due the deadly pandemic.
Overseas players may be able to join
As per reports, franchise owners are against playing without their overseas players. This delay will allow overseas players to join the IPL 2020 as the visa restrictions will end on April 15.
However, the government is expected to reassess the situation in the coming weeks and may relax or extend the visa restrictions based on the gravity of the situation.
Franchise owners want to play games behind closed doors
Even when the IPL 2020 begins on April 15, its matches may still have to be played only for TV without live audience. The Maharashtra government was the first to announce it will allow IPL only if it is played behind closed doors, to discourage public gatherings. The Delhi government quickly followed suit.
The franchise owners will reportedly make this same request to ask BCCI officials on Saturday in order to keep up with the schedule of games and cities. A franchise official in a statement to IANS said that playing games in closed doors is better than postponement as it will allow foreign players to join the teams.
“If we get to the business end without our foreign recruits, then it again becomes a domestic tournament just like say Mushtaq Ali or Vijay Hazare Trophy. To keep the charisma alive, you need foreign players,” he added.
See also:
Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore will be worst hit if IPL is played behind closed doors
IPL has to be played behind closed doors amid coronavirus outbreak, says Govt