IPL 2020 will likely be scheduled behind closed doors
The upcoming edition of Indian Premier League will likely take place without spectators' presence in the wake of coronavirus crisis. The Indian government recently indicated that it will not stop sporting events from taking place as long as they abide by the health ministry guidelines which discourage mass gatherings. COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) has already been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Kiren Rijiju made the announcement on Thursday
The announcement was made by India's Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, on Thursday. On March 5, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare put out an advisory on mass gatherings. "Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of coronavirus. It may be avoided till the disease spread is contained," the advisory stated.
Sports bodies in India should follow the guidelines: Kiren Rijiju
"All international events in India have been cancelled. We are telling sports federations to comply with guidelines issued by the Health Ministry and formulated by a group of ministers constituted by the Prime Minister. All sports bodies in India should follow the guidelines," Rijiju said.
We are not stopping the IPL, says Rijiju
Regarding the impending IPL season, Rijiju indicated that fans are likely not to be allowed at the grounds. He asserted that the games won't be stalled if there are no mass gatherings. "We are not stopping the game. We are just telling to ensure that there is no mass gathering. Precautionary step is very important for the health of the country," he said.
We have to follow the advisory for ODIs: BCCI source
The ongoing ODI series between India and South Africa might also be played behind closed doors. "Government has issued advisory on sporting events and we have to follow them. We will follow the advisory for the second and third ODI," the BCCI source said. While the first ODI was washed out, the following two ODIs will be played in Lucknow and Kolkata.
