Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore will be worst hit if IPL is played behind closed doors

• Sports Ministry has informed BCCI that IPL will have to be played behind closed doors.
• Foreign players may not be able to join their teams till April 15.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), the biggest sporting event in the country may be shadowed by the coronavirus outbreak. Soon after the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak as a global pandemic, the Indian government announced that apart from a few exceptions, foreigners will not be allowed in India till April 15.

"The foreign players who play in the IPL come under the Business Visa category. As per the government's directive, they can't come till April 15," a BCCI source told on conditions of anonymity to PTI.

Last week, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly confirmed to ESPNCricinfo that the IPL will go ahead as scheduled. He said that the IPL was “on schedule” and measures are being taken to tackle the coronavirus threat. No fresh communication has come in from BCCI after that.

The Sports Ministry informed BCCI that if the IPL cannot be postponed, it has to be held behind closed doors.

IPL franchises are likely to take a big hit

Further, the Maharashtra government banned IPL ticket sales after reporting three positive cases. It virtually forces IPL to organize its games in Mumbai in front of empty stands, and only for TV.

If more states take the route, IPL franchises may end up taking a big hit in terms of revenue. Ticket sales are a major source of their revenue and this decision will completely remove gate fees.

The top teams that will be hit include Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore due to the huge crowds that they draw. This is only one part of the slim picking from India’s largest sporting event.

The BCCI also decided to cut the IPL prize money by ₹25 crore. According to a report, all the eight franchises have decided to lodge a protest with the BCCI. Now, they have to protest about.

IPL may follow other sports leagues and play games in empty stadiums

The opening match of the IPL 2020 edition is scheduled between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium on March 29. At the moment, it looks like the two teams may have to play in empty stadiums.

The iconic Bundesliga and La Liga are currently being played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak and the IPL 2020 may face the same fate. Additionally, the foreign players may not be able to join the league during its initial days - making it less exciting.

See also:

IPL will go on says BCCI president Sourav Ganguly even as coronavirus threat looms large

IPL in trouble after India restricts visas that will keep foreign players away

Coronavirus: India suspends all tourist visas till April 15