Australian players may not play IPL 2020 due to travel restrictions

Amid growing coronavirus fears globally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had recently called off the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa. In addendum, the thirteenth edition of the lucrative Indian Premier League has been postponed till mid-April.

But with COVID-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty lingering over the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, there is no telling whether the tournament will happen or not. But what is almost certain is the fact that IPL 2020 is bracing up for a massive loss.

There is no saying as to what would happen but in the worst-case scenario, several stakeholders, cricketers, broadcasters and advertisers may incur a huge loss. That is to be waited and seen over 30 days from now or probably more, depending on whether the threat of the virus infection subsides, whether it is a full tournament or a shorter one. Only time will tell the whole story.

Aussies may not play IPL 2020

Meanwhile, Australian cricketers may not be seen in action for the thirteenth edition of the IPL due to travel restrictions. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement of a “do not travel overseas” warning could see no Australian cricketer take part in the world’s premier tournament this time.

The official announcement is a level-four warning that suggests one should not travel overseas but is not exactly a travel ban. The government says, “If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.”

If the advice remains in place next month, then the Australian cricketers would have to finalize individual insurance and then take care of emergency plan arrangements too. Having recently tried to relieve concerns that they would revoke no-objection certificates for the cash-rich tournament, Cricket Australia have made up their mind to support the advisory.

Meanwhile, Australian limited-overs skipper, Aaron Finch, who was roped in by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the upcoming edition of the IPL, expressed his concern over the present situation.

“We’ve never seen anything like this. That (travel advice) has changed over the last couple of hours. That could change in two weeks or three weeks, it’s hard to plan anything. But it’s just about making sure everyone around you personally is safe and you’re doing everything you can to stop the spread,” he added.