In the wake of the Corona Virus Pandemic, most of the sporting events around world have either been cancelled or postponed till further notice. Here in India, a few days ago, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend IPL 2020 till 15th April 2020; as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation.
Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, revealed, “The BCCI is concerned and sensitive about all its stakeholders, and public health in general, and it is taking all necessary steps to ensure that, all people related to IPL including fans have a safe cricketing experience.”
He further said, “The BCCI will work closely with the Government of India along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all other relevant Central and State Government departments in this regard.”
Meanwhile, the eight IPL franchises have called off their respective pre-tournament camps till further notice. Three time champions Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Calcutta Knight Riders have already cancelled their training camps which were scheduled to start from 21st. The RCB outfit led by Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli tweeted the cancellation of his training camp.
Experts think this time around, The Indian Premier League is bracing up for losses. The entire event is build around sponsor visibility, Broadcaster’s Advertising revenue and gate receipts. While initially there were discussions on whether the IPL will be held in empty stadiums. But the situation getting worse all over and all major sports events being postponed across the world everybody is waiting for the threat of the virus to subside.
Many hope that if things get better then and a 60- match tournament will be held around mid-April, then the losses will be minimum. Or else, if number of days and matches are reduced then there might be some losses. Analysts estimate that Broadcasters Star India with the
Central pool of sponsors, led by Vivo, together bring around 3500 crore per year (approx). The event property is a must watch in a cricket crazy country like India.
But as for now, let us wait and watch. Maybe things will get better.
Meanwhile, check this link to see how all the sports events around the world has been rescheduled.