IPL 2021 has been suspended indefinitely following a rise in cases of COVID-19 within the bio bubble.
The latest development to trigger a total rethink on the IPL 2021 tournament is the positive COVID-19 test result of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Wriddhiman Saha and Delhi Capitals’ Amit Mishra.
IPL 2021 Suspended Indefinitely After Two More Covid-19 Test Results
Around 12 noon, the top brass of the BCCI was to meet to take a final call on the fate of IPL 2021 with rescheduling the entire tournament being one of the agenda points. The BCCI had contemplated moving the whole bandwagon to one city but new positive cases in the IPL bubble did not leave them with much of a choice.
Cricbuzz understands that before going into the huddle, some IPL officials dialled a few franchises to know their views on the tournament’s future. A few of them are learned to have suggested to call it off totally. This was followed by a statement on the decision from BCCI which assured the participants of safe travel back home.
“The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff, and the other participants involved in organizing the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health, and well-being 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. The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021,” read a statement from BCCI.
This comes after Wednesday’s IPL 2021 game between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals was postponed after CSK bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji tested positive for the virus. On Monday, the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore was also postponed after KKR bowlers Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakravarthy tested positive for the infection.
IPL 2021 Postponed After Amit Mishra And Wriddhiman Saha Tested Positive As BCCI Will Ensure Players Safe Travel
According to IPL Governing Council members, the decision was taken after Amit Mishra and Wriddhiman Saha too tested positive on Tuesday. Multiple BCCI officials and the franchises too confirmed the development.
On Monday, two members of the Chennai Super Kings’ IPL contingent too – bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji, and a bus cleaner – had tested positive for Covid-19. CEO Kasi Viswanathan’s second report came negative in the evening. However, Laxmipathy Balaji and the team driver continued to be positive.
Many Australian players left the IPL early as the coronavirus crisis worsened, with Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson choosing to follow Andrew Tye home.
Rajasthan Royals batsman Liam Livingstone opted to return to England citing “bubble fatigue” after spending much of the last 10 months moving in and out of biosecure environments.
Meanwhile, India and Delhi Capitals spin spearhead Ravichandran Ashwin cut short his IPL season on April 25 to be with family who was affected by the dreaded virus. The BCCI now is in conversation with the authorities to ensure safe travel for the overseas players.