'No IPL matches will take place in Delhi', says Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has continued to affect cricketing events across the world and the marquee T20 tournament Indian Premier League (IPL) is no different to it. While the Indian Government has cleared that they will not allow spectators in the stadium and the matches can be played behind the closed doors, the state governments are also not interested in hosting the games now in the wake of Coronavirus threat.

Earlier, Maharashtra and Karnataka Government raised their concerns about the virus spreading during the IPL. Rather Maharashtra Government also banned the sale of the tickets online. And now Delhi Government has also followed their footsteps. The Deputy CM Manish Sisodia has cleared that Delhi will not be hosting any IPL matches this year as a precautionary.

Moreover, they have banned all the sporting activities in Delhi keeping in mind the larger picture. “No IPL matches will take place in Delhi. Delhi govt to ban sports activities in wake of coronavirus threat. IPL will be banned in wake of coronavirus threat,” Manish Sisodia was quoted as saying by Times Now on Friday. With the IPL Governing Council set to meet on Saturday to decide to the fate of the IPL 2020, it remains to be seen what decision is taken.

Remainder of the PSL to be played behind closed doors

Meanwhile, the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season has also felt the tremors of Coronavirus with the remaining matches of the tournament set to be played behind closed doors. The PCB confirmed the news late on Thursday even as England players are set to leave Pakistan by Saturday.

As many as 15 English cricketers are featuring in the PSL and all of them are likely to leave the competition midway amid Coronavirus fears. Even the ongoing ODI series between Australia and New Zealand is being played in empty stadiums and the same will be followed in the India vs South Africa ODIs.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also denied sending its team to Pakistan for a solitary Test and ODI which is set to be played early next month. Moreover, England’s tour of Sri Lanka is likely to be called off as well.