The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indefinitely postponed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after several players and support staff tested positive for COVID-19.
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,” stated an IPL press release.
“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,” it said.
Patel said the BCCI would help the franchises arrange for the return of their foreign players. Those who have contracted Covid, and other players and support staff, have to follow the tournament’s quarantine protocols — six days isolation for close contacts and three negative tests before leaving.
“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 statement read.
A source from BCCI revealed that The Indian cricket board is exploring the possibility of holding the remaining 31 matches of the IPL after the World T20 in October-November following its decision to put the ongoing T20 tournament on hold due to a string of Covid cases.
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 to their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times,” the statement read.
Many Australian players left the IPL early as the coronavirus crisis worsened, with Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson choosing to follow AJ Tye home. Rajasthan Royals batsman Liam Livingstone opted to return to England citing “bubble fatigue” . Meanwhile, India and Delhi Capitals spin spearhead R. Ashwin cut short his IPL season on April 25 to be with family.
The 2021 Indian Premier League, also known as IPL 14 or, for sponsorship reasons, Vivo IPL 2021 and was the fourteenth season.