The increasing cases of novel coronavirus in India seems to have a huge impact on the 13th edition of Indian Premier League. The Maharashtra Health Ministry and Karnataka Government already mentioned how difficult it would be to host IPL matches in this situation. Now a top BCCI source told PTI that no foreign players will be available for the league till April 15 due to visa restrictions imposed by the Government. This further increases the uncertainties over the future of the IPL 2020.
The source explained to PTI, “The foreign players who play in the IPL come under the Business Visa category. As per the government’s directive, they can’t come till April 15.”
Till April 15 a ban has been issued by the government on all existing foreign visa except a few categories after new positive case of novel coronavirus found in the country. Now India has reportedly 60 positive coronavirus cases which has become a global concern. The disease has caused more than 4000 deaths till now globally. There have been restrictions on travel and passengers in transit are under scanner.
The fate of IPL in this situation is doubtful and a call will be taken on March 14 at the meeting of IPL Governing Council in Mumbai. “All decisions will be taken by the GC in Mumbai,” the source said.
Meanwhile the Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday said, “After discussion, we have come to two options: either to postpone matches or to have matches without selling tickets.” IPL is scheduled to begin on March 29 with the opener between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in Wankhede, Mumbai.