Road Safety matches to be played sans spectators: Here's why
The remaining matches of the Road Safety World Series will be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus outburst. The DY Patil Stadium will host the upcoming game between South Africa Legends and Sri Lanka Legends on March 13. It is learnt that the precautionary measure has been taken to look after the health and safety of players, staff and spectators. Here is more.
The revised schedule comes after the coronavirus scare
"As a consequence of the health emergency, all stakeholders of the Road Safety World Series have decided that remaining matches of the Road Safety World Series will be played behind closed doors at the DY Patil Stadium in a revised schedule," a media statement stated.
The third leg was scheduled in Pune initially
The organizing committee unanimously decide to shift the third leg of the series with the number of cases in Maharashtra rising swiftly. Pune was the original host for the matches scheduled from March 14 to 20. However, the matches have now been relocated to to DY Patil Stadium and will be played behind closed doors. The final will also be held at this venue.
Foreign players won't be available for IPL till April 15
As per a BCCI source, no overseas player will be available for the upcoming IPL edition till April 15 due to visa restrictions imposed by the Indian government. The government issued a ban on all existing foreign visas till April 15 in the wake of new positive cases of coronavirus in the country. India has already reported over 60 positive cases.
Spectator tested positive for novel coronavirus
According to Melbourne Cricket Ground management, a spectator who attended the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final between India and Australia at the venue has been tested positive for novel coronavirus. "A person who attended the Women's T20 World Cup Final at the MCG on Sunday March 8 has now been diagnosed with COVID-19," the Melbourne Cricket Ground management said in a statement.
World XI vs Asia XI matches postponed
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has postponed the World XI v Asia XI matches amid coronavirus fears. These matches which were scheduled to take place on March 21 and 22 in Dhaka included the likes of Virat Kohli, Lasith Malinga and Chris Gayle. "We will organize after a month, looking at the situation. It is postponed for the time being." BCB president Nazmul Hasan said.
