IPL 2021: BCCI suspends the tournament indefinitely

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for indefinite period. It all started with the cases in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp on May 3 where Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier tested positive. It was followed by CSK bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji testing positive for the virus.

However, the game between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) was set to go ahead on Tuesday (May 4). But it has been reported that Wriddhiman Saha, the wicketkeeper-batsman of SRH, has been tested positive while the Delhi Capitals spinner Amit Mishra has also returned a positive result.

With positive COVID-19 cases rising inside the bubble, the BCCI decided to indefinitely suspend the IPL 2021 according to ESPNCricinfo. Earlier, the board was considering shifting all the matches to Mumbai where the first leg of the tournament was played.

BCCI and IPL GC took the decision in an emergency meeting

BCCI, in its statement, confirmed that the board and governing council took the decision unanimously in an emergency meeting. Board Vice-President also confirmed that the IPL has been suspended for this season while BCCI also stated that they will make sure to create a safe passage for all the players to reach their families and loved ones.

“The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect. The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and well-being of all the stakeholders in mind.

“These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times. The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.

“The BCCI would like to thank all the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, franchises, sponsors, partners and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times,” the BCCI statement read.