BCCI officials seek advise of Sports and Health ministry in the wake of coronavirus threat to IPL 2020

The entire world is gripping in fear of the deadly Coronavirus. The latest hazard which started as flu-like-illness in the city of Wuhan last year has proliferated to around 80 countries and has already accounted for more than 3200 lives besides infecting more than 95,000 people globally. 

India is one of those 80 countries were Coronavirus has made its presence felt and already 30 cases have been confirmed across the country. The rising threat of the virus had led to a plethora of sporting events around the world get either postponed and canceled.

And, with India set to host South Africa for an ODI series, starting March 12 and the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, question marks have galore around staging such events in the present situation.

Recently, IPL governing council chairman, Brijesh Patel had revealed that the board is keeping a tab on the situation and as of now, things will go ahead as planned. And, on Thursday, Indian Expresses reported that the top brass of the BCCI officials has got in touch with the Union Sports Ministry to seek advice on the viability of staging the IPL as per the original schedule- which is March 29th when defending champions Mumbai Indians lock horns with Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai.

The BCCI, was, however, directed to seek the advice from the Health Ministry as the Sports Ministry cannot interfere with where and when the tournament can be staged.

“The BCCI is having some internal meetings and wanted to assess the situation arising out of coronavirus. They are collecting all the data and would be taking an appropriate decision in the next 2-3 days,” a source was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

The source added, “The Sports Ministry cannot interfere with where and when events should be organized. So it has been suggested to the BCCI that they talk one-on-one with the secretary and joint secretary of the health ministry.”

BCCI set to adhere to every precautionary guideline issued by the government 

The BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, meanwhile, when asked for an update on the coronavirus threat on IPL 2020, asserted that the 13th edition will go as per the original schedule.

“It’s on…and BCCI will take all protection (against coronavirus),” Sourav Ganguly was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

The report in Indian Express has further quoted a BCCI official confirming that the apex cricketing body of the country will make sure that they adhere to every precautionary guideline recommended by the government. Post which, the same will be forwarded to all the stakeholders including players, airlines, franchises, hotels, broadcast crews, etc.

“If people do not go to watch the games, it affects the IPL’s significance and revenues. So spectator control is one issue that BCCI is facing,” the source added.