India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised against conducting the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League. As the corona virus spread has increased dramatically experts advice peoples to avoid attending a huge crowd. Although the virus shows its hardness, BCCI seems not to postpone the scheduled IPL.
“I think it is for the organizers to decide whether to go ahead with it or not. Our advice would be to not do it at this time but if they want to go ahead, it is their decision,” the MEA official said.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the effect of #coronavirus on IPL: I think it is for the organizers to decide whether to go ahead with it or not. Our advice would be to not do it at this time but if they want to go ahead, it is their decision. pic.twitter.com/qFlpsrxU0D
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2020
Decision to play behind the closed doors
Earlier IPL Franchise announced that they are okay with the decision to play behind the closed doors. As World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a “pandemic”, there is no other option than to play the match behind closed doors.
“See, the gate money is no issue as these things are insured. As for the fans, it is disappointing, but we don’t really have much of an option as we have to abide by the diktat of the central government and even WHO has declared the outbreak a “pandemic”.
“This makes it clear that if we have to have an IPL this year, it has to be behind closed doors. So now, would we rather want an IPL where fans can watch the games on television or we don’t want an IPL in 2020? So, we are okay with that, but the BCCI must sit down and speak to the central government to make an exception and allow the foreign players to come in before April 15 as the IPL loses its sheen otherwise,” the official said.
“It could be TV-only as it is a medical emergency and we can do nothing about that,” the source added.
BCCI must ensure that at least the foreign players are handed permission as they are already touring around the world. BCCI have to make it clear after discussing with particular governmental departments said by an official of another franchise.
However, the ministry also added that the final decision lies with organizers.
