The highly-anticipated Indian Premier League that will commence from March 29 is under the scanner due to the coronavirus threat. Thus far, 60 individuals in India have been affected by the deadly disease, which has got the BCCI worried. According to reports, Maharashtra has already banned the sale of IPL tickets as a precautionary measure, while Karanataka is waiting further advise from the central government before they take a final decision.
“I have written to the Centre saying that IPL matches are scheduled to be held in Karnataka. We have mentioned in the letter that neighbouring Maharashtra has already taken a decision in this regard. We are awaiting Centre’s guidance on what action should be taken,” said Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary Javed Akhtar said, “The decision taken by the Maharashtra government will be taken into consideration by us before we make a final call.”
Earlier BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had refuted that the IPL would be canceled and had said that all steps would be taken so that the players and the spectators stay away from the virus. “IPL is very much on. Everywhere, the tournaments are going on. England are already in Sri Lanka. South Africa are here. There are no issues,” Ganguly had said.
“County teams are travelling all over the world. They are travelling to Abu Dhabi, UAE to play. So there is no problem,” he added.
“We will take all precautions. I don’t know exactly what are the extra measures. It’s only medical team which will tell us about that,” he said.
“All medical issues will be addressed by the medical team. Every tournament will go on,” he added.
Incidentally, the Road Safety World Series is being played in Mumbai with cricket legends from India, Australia, West Indies, South Africa and Sri Lanka taking part. Huge crowds have been present in all the games that have been played since last week.