IPL could be played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 pandemic

Tournament officials will meet on Saturday to discuss the way forward for this year's edition

The Indian Premier League’s governing council will meet on Saturday as the Covid-19 outbreak threatens the upcoming edition of the franchise competition.

There have been calls for the tournament to be either delayed or cancelled, with the World Health Organisation stating that the virus is now a pandemic.

An official has told AFP that the IPL, which is due to begin on March 29, could well take place behind closed doors.

“We are keen to start the IPL on time even if it means without crowds,” a BCCI official told AFP. “It could be TV-only as it is a medical emergency and we can do nothing about that.”

This follows an announcement made by India’s minister of state for youth affairs and sports, Kiren Rijiju.

“All international events in India have been cancelled,” he said. “But we are telling sports federations, we are telling all to comply with the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry and formulated by a group of ministers which is constituted by the Prime Minister.

“We are not stopping the game. We are just telling to ensure that there is no mass gathering. Precautionary step is very important for the health of the country.”

This comes a week on from an advisory released by the country’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which explained: “Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus disease.

“It is advised that mass gatherings may be avoided or possibly be postponed till the disease spread is contained.”

^{The IPL is likely to take place behind closed doors}

An additional complication relates to India’s decision – in light of the contagious virus – to suspend several visa categories. Whether this would impact overseas players – 12 English players are scheduled to take part in this year’s edition, has not yet been made clear.

The state government of Maharashtra has instructed Mumbai Indians, who won the 2019 tournament, to delay ticket sales for the opening match against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings.

“Human life has far more value than the IPL,” said Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope.

Asked about the subject ahead of Australia’s ODI series with New Zealand, Aaron Finch, who is due to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore, explained: “The franchises have been great in updating players pretty much daily on how that looks and will effect anything going forward.

“We are just concentrating on tomorrow; I know it's difficult when it's a pandemic now. It's going to be tough, no doubt they'll be some restrictions in place for teams, fans and grounds.”