The rapidly-spreading coronavirus has claimed over 3,300 lives and infected more than 100,000 in about 85 countries. Currently, India’s coronavirus patient count stands at 31, including 16 Italian tourists. Subsequently, it has wreaked havoc on the international calendar of many sporting events across the world.
The deadly outbreak has even put the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 under doubt. Earlier, IPL chairman Brijesh Patel has ruled out any possible threat at the moment.
However, the senior authorities and officials highlighted the fact that they are closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly has also ruled out any threat to the IPL or the upcoming three-match ODI series between India and South Africa. The first ODI will be played on March 12, Thursday at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.
IPL will go ahead as planned: BCCI President Sourav Ganguly
BCCI President Ganguly confirmed that the cash-rich IPL will go ahead as planned, while also adding that all precautionary measures will be in place to combat the deadly disease which has put certain countries on the high alert.
“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. County teams are travelling all over the world. They are travelling to Abu Dhabi, UAE to play. So there is no problem,” Ganguly told PTI.
All medical issues will be addressed by the medical team: Sourav Ganguly
When asked about the precautionary measures to make sure that players and fans are not affected by the contagious, Ganguly said all the medical issues will be sorted out by the medical team.
“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. The medical team is already in touch with the hospitals so that everything is available. We will do what the doctors say. They are the professionals. All medical issues will be addressed by the medical team. Every tournament will go on,” he added in a statement.
The 13th edition of the IPL will see four-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) taking on three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 29, Sunday.