IPL 2020 will not be postponed, confirms Sourav Ganguly

The widespread Coronavirus has had a major impact on all the sporting events around the world. The virus, which was first found in China, has reached almost all the top countries and so far, 30+ cases have been recorded in India. Because this disease is contagious in nature, the organizers of IPL had been thinking to postpone the tournament so as to avoid the mass gathering of fans.

Maharashtra’s Health Minister, Rajesh Tope confirmed the aforementioned development on Sunday (8th March), stating that the discussions for delaying this year’s IPL because of Coronavirus are on. However, the BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly has rejected his claims, mentioning that IPL will go on as per the original schedule.

Rajesh Tope, the health minister of Maharashtra, which is home to the most successful IPL franchise and IPL 2020’s defending champions, Mumbai Indians, was quoted as follows by India Today, “There is always a danger of spread (of contagious diseases) when people gather in large numbers. Such events can always be organised later. So discussion is on whether to postpone the IPL.”

Sourav Ganguly reacts

However, the BCCI head, Sourav Ganguly confirmed the sources that the IPL will take place as per the schedule as the Indian cricket governing body is ready to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak. Ganguly said, “It’s on…and BCCI will take all protection (against coronavirus).”

It is noteworthy that Nepal’s Everest Premier League was recently postponed due to the same reason while the English players have decided to refrain from handshakes during their upcoming ICC World Test Championship against Sri Lanka. However, the cricketing tournaments in India have not been affected by this virus as the Road Safety World Series 2020 is currently underway in Maharashtra. The tourney opener featuring India Legends and West Indies Legends was played in front of a packed Wankhede Stadium thus, the chances of IPL getting postponed are very low.

As per the reports, the organizers may instruct the players not to shake hands with fans and also avoid clicking pictures on devices that are not their own.