Coronavirus matter to be taken up in the IPL Governing Council meeting
The Indian Premier League has not escaped the wrath of the coronavirus pandemic either. With the World Health Organisation declaring the COVID-19, colloquially known as novel coronavirus, a pandemic, doubts are cast over the original schedule of the tournament. The matter is scheduled to be taken up by the IPL governing council Saturday, the 14th of March.
The key concern facing the IPL governing council would be to resolve the visa issue, with the government of India suspending all visas except diplomatic, official, employment and a few other categories. Overseas players and coaches visiting India are granted a ‘B-sports Visa’. However, it is not clear if this category of visas stands suspended as well.
Aussie skipper and new RCB recruit for the 2020 season Aaron Finch has expressed his concerns on the matter as well. Speaking on the eve of the first ODI between Australia and New Zealand, Finch said “The franchises have been great in updating players pretty much daily on how that looks and will affect anything going forward”.
There is also a growing possibility of matches being played behind closed doors. “It would be weird to play in an empty stadium, no doubt”, Finch said. “You get so accustomed to playing to the atmosphere of the fans who ride the momentum, especially at home with the Australian fans who support us so well”.
The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on the 29th of March. The Royal Challengers Bangalore are scheduled to kick off their campaign at home against the Kolkata Knight riders on the 31st of March 2020.
NEXT
