The cash-rich Indian Premier League has been suspended for this season from today after a few players tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. According to reports, Sunrisers Hyderabad wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha tested positive for Covid-19. SRH was scheduled to play a match against Mumbai Indians tonight. Former Indian team leg-spinner Amit Mishra who is playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL has also tested positive for Covid-19.
Earlier on Monday, 3rd May, two Kolkata Knight Riders players Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier had also tested positive for coronavirus. Moreover, three support staff from Chennai Super Kings including their bowling coach Laxmipati Balaji had tested Covid-19 positive.
BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla said in a statement, “The IPL has been suspended for the time being. We spoke to everyone from teams, broadcasters and all those who were involved in it. It was decided to defer the IPL especially looking at the sentiment and current situation in the country. For us, players health is paramount and BCCI will always keeps safety first. We will meet again soon and decide when we can conclude this edition, we will have to see when is the next window available.“
The players were in a secure bio-bubble and after players tested Covid-19 positive, fans and sports critics criticized the BCCI and thereafter today BCCI suspended the IPL until further orders.