After holding an emergency meeting earlier in the day, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC), have decided to postpone the rest of the 2021 season of the tournament.
The IPL kicked off on 9 April in India. Last season's IPL was postponed from March to September, and shifted to the United Arab Emirates.
India then hosted England in a Test, ODI and T20 series across Chennai, Ahmedabad and Pune with fans being allowed into stadiums in Chennai and Ahmedabad.
With Covid-19 cases rising just before the start of the tournament, all IPL games were played behind closed doors and players along with staff members were in a secure 'bio-bubble'.
Now, as Covid cases emerged within the bubble in the last couple of days, the BCCI has released a statement to postpone the remainder of this season's tournament.
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 wellbeing 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.
Star India, the broadcasters of the tournament, have also released a statement.
Star India supports BCCI’s decision to postpone IPL 2021. The health and safety of players, staff and everyone involved in the IPL are of paramount importance. We thank the BCCI, IPL Governing Council, players, franchisees and sponsors for their support. We are also indebted to our employees, on-air talent, production, and broadcast crews for trying their best to spread positivity by delivering the broadcast of IPL 2021 to millions of homes in the face of challenging circumstances.
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