As for the IPL, thus far, 29 out of the 60 games have been played. So what happens to the 31 remaining games?
With the second COVID-19 wave rampant across the country, the Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday, in an emergency meeting unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect.
The BCCI also said that it will do everything in its power to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.
The BCCI thanked all the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, franchisees, sponsors, partners, and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times.
As for the IPL, thus far, 29 out of the 60 games have been played. So what happens to the 31 remaining games?
1. When will happen to remaining 31 IPL matches?
)
Due to the COVID-19 scare, the BCCI cited a strong 'bio-bubble' for players and staff. The safety and security of players allowed the IPL to play 29 matches successfully.
However, now with IPL 2021 postponed indefinitely, the remaining 31 matches of the IPL could be held after the T20 World Cup this year, according to sources.
2. IPL 2021 suspended
)
In a major development, BCCI Vice-president Rajiv Shukla on Tuesday (May 4) announced that IPL 2021 has been suspended due to rising COVID-19 cases.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Bombay High Court had agreed to hear a plea filed for cancelling or postponing the IPL 2021 due to rising COVID-19 cases across the country.
LiveLaw reported that the plea has sought damages of Rs 1000 crores from the BCCI and profit from IPL for medical treatment and oxygen for COVID-19. Notably, a similar PIL seeking cancellation of IPL 2021 has been filed in the Delhi high court as well.
3. Rajiv Shukla's statement
)
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said, 'We will see if we can get any suitable time for the IPL event later in the year. It may be September, but for now, it will only be speculation. The situation as of now is that we are not organizing the tournament".
4. Players testing COVID-19 positive
)
On Monday, BCCI confirmed that mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and medium-pacer Sandeep Warrier tested positive for the coronavirus. Barring the duo, the rest of the KKR contingent's tests have come negative.
Soon after this, news came of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) chief executive officer Kasi Viswanathan, bowling coach L Balaji and a bus cleaner have also tested positive. It is understood that the rest of the CSK squad, which is currently in Delhi, has tested negative, as per ESPN Cricinfo.
On May 4, SunRisers Hyderabad as Wriddhiman Saha and Delhi Capitals Amit Mishra also test positive.
5. Players withdrawing from IPL league
)
Royal Challengers Bangalore leg-spinner Adam Zampa along with fellow countryman Kane Richardson left the IPL mid-season.
Delhi Capitals off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also had taken a break and returned home in Chennai, where he played his side's last game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, which the men in blue won.
