Okay Fellas, Empty stadium for IPL, coming through....
Now its official that there will be no spectators in the stadium for any games due to COVID-19 threats. it includes SA vs IND series and IPL too.
IPL, rest of India-SA series could be played without spectatorsIn the backdrop of COVID-19 threat, India's sports ministry has issued an advisory to all the National Sports Federations, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India, to "ensure that no public gathering takes place in any sporting event" in the country.
The advisory further stated that if the sporting event cannot be avoided, it should be held without the spectators. This could mean that the next two ODIs between India and South Africa (scheduled in Lucknow and Kolkata) and the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, in part or full, could take place in front of empty stands.
"You are advised to adhere to the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and ensure that no public gathering takes place in any sporting event," the Government of India release read. "In the event the sporting event cannot be avoided, the same could be done without allowing gathering of people, including spectators."
https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1238043837034975232New updates on IPL 2020
BCCI had a meeting today on IPL season and coronavirus implications and despite giving green light from sport ministry " Matches in Empty Stadium" BCCI suspended the tournament until April 15. They had a option of going with their business in Empty Stadiums.
IPL 2020 suspended until April 15 due to coronavirus concerns"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," a BCCI media release signed by board secretary Jay Shah stated.
"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."
The advisory further stated that if the conduct of the sporting event couldn't be avoided, it should be held behind closed doors, without the spectators. The Ministry of External Affairs went a step further, recommending to the BCCI not to go ahead with the tournament.