Safety of all stakeholders a priority for the franchises, says BCCI

It is no hidden fact that the world is suffering a lot due to the outbreak of COVID-19, in terms of both physical and financial losses. The Indian Premier League also has been affected by the outbreak and has been postponed till the 15th of April. And, after the meeting regarding the same between the BCCI and the IPL franchises, the board made its priorities clear in terms of the way forward if the pandemic continues to spread.

A lot of other tournaments, including the Road Safety World Series, the bilateral series between Indian and South Africa, and Australia and New Zealand have been called off. Many other tournaments, across the world, not only relating to cricket have also been put on hold or cancelled with immediate effect.

Board will continue to monitor: BCCI

And, as reported by India Today, after the meeting held on Saturday, it has been made clear by the board that the safety of all the stakeholders will be a priority for the IPL Franchises. “The BCCI along with all the IPL franchises have reiterated BCCI’s stand of putting the safety and well-being of fans, athletes and employees as a priority. The board will continue to monitor and work closely with the Government of India, state governments and other state regulatory bodies to decide on the future course of action in the best interest of public health,” BCCI media release read.

It was also made clear that the BCCI is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved with the tournament and the sport itself. There were talks about the absence of foreign players from the league after the Indian Government stopped issuing visas till 15th of April and suspended all of the existing ones. But, it was clarified that all of the visas that the players get are work visas and there wouldn’t be any problem for them if there is no other advisory issued.

While the tournament still remains suspended till the 15th of April, it will be interesting to see what the BCCI does if there is a delay or any other government advisory is issued which causes a hindrance in the tournament being conducted.