IPL 2021 suspended after multiple players get COVID-19

This comes after two matches were rescheduled after players or team staff tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
VIVO IPL 2021 trophy
VIVO IPL 2021 trophy
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The Indian Premier League 2021 has been suspended for the time being after multiple players from various teams have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla told ANI that the IPL has been suspended for this season. 

This comes after two matches were rescheduled after players or team staff tested positive for the novel coronavirus. BCCI rescheduled the IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals after bowling coach L Balaji tested positive for COVID-19. All CSK playing members have tested negative during their scheduled RT-PCR tests. Shortly after, SunRisers Hyderabad player Wriddhiman Saha also tested positive and the team’s match against Mumbai Indians, scheduled for May 4 evening, was rescheduled. 

“The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect,” the Indian Premier League (IPL) said in a media advisory issued on Tuesday.  

The BCCI said it does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. “This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind. These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times,” it added. 

“The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021. The BCCI would like to thank all the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, franchises, sponsors, partners and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times,” the statement added.

The BCCI was also reportedly mulling holding the rest of the 60-match Indian Premier League (IPL) in Mumbai, as one of the options. On Monday, the IPL reached the halfway mark, but the 30th match, between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Ahmedabad, was postponed after KKR players Varun Chakaravarthy and Sandeep Warrier tested positive.

The original IPL schedule comprised six venues -- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Chennai and Mumbai have hosted their matches, and Ahmedabad and Delhi were hosting the games at the middle stage of the tournament.

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