Here's how overseas players can participate in whole IPL 2020 season amid Coronavirus scare

Sporting tournaments all over the world have been taking a hit because of the outbreak of COVID-19 also known as the Coronavirus. Advisories are being issued by the governments, coaches and players are taking preventive measures and the organizers have been working hard to get the scheduled tournaments back on track. And, amongst all of this, the Indian Premier League, which is scheduled to begin from the 29th March, is facing cancellation threats.

The situation regarding the tournament became even more ambiguous after the Indian Government issued a travel advisory, which stated that all of the existing visas, apart from diplomatic, official, UN/International organizations, employment and project are to stand suspended till the 15th of April 2020 and this would come into effect from 12:00 GMT on the 13th of March as on the port of departure.

Overseas players can still play IPL 2020. Here’s how

Clearing out the situation on this matter was former KKR team director, Joy Bhattacharjya, who explained in a video released by Cricbuzz that how foreign players could still travel to India and participate in the IPL if it takes place. He made it clear that a work visa issued by the government covers the Indian Premier League and all of the visas held by the foreign players are employment visas.

Bhattacharjya told, “Most International players when they play in India get a PAN card because their income is actually taxed in India and they play a certain amount of withholding tax in India. Once a player is signed up, two letters go from here [India]. So, assume 15-16 Australian players are coming to India, so the Indian High Commission in Australia will get one letter from the IPL stating that the following players have been signed up for the IPL and [we] please request them to make their work visa. Then a specific letter will also go from the franchise saying that this player, with this fee, has been signed for so and so and we want him. So, two letters go and therefore, all IPL Visas are employment visas.”

Also shedding light on how the visas are made for the non-playing individuals who are there during the tournament, he said, “When a letter has to go for a staff, which is not hired by the IPL, then the letter goes only from the club.” He also made clear that no one coming from abroad will be able to bring their families as all of the tourist visas are suspended.

While the situation still remains uncertain about whether the tournament will be conducted or not, and if yes, the manner in which the tournament will be conducted. The fans can be assured that if the tournament takes place, the advisory will not cause any hindrance in the travel plans of their favorite players.

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