Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has been postponed, said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday after several players tested positive for COVID-19. "The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect," BCCI said in a release.
"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 well-being of all the stakeholders in mind."
UPDATE: The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season with immediate effect.
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 4, 2021
Details - https://t.co/OgYXPj9FQy pic.twitter.com/lYmjBId8gL
Two Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier, Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji and a CSK travel team support staff member are among those who have tested positive for the virus. As per IPL protocol, CSK squad was put in isolation.
"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 release added.
"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."
A total of 29 out of the scheduled 56 league games were played this season – the last match played this season was between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals on May 2.
The match on Monday between KKR and Royal Challengers Bangalore was postponed after COVID-19 cases in the KKR camp.
Cricket commentator Ayaz Memon also tweeted, "Number of people infected in IPL growing rapidly: 2 from KKR, 3 from CSK, 1 from SRH and now 2 from DC. Players are both venues, Delhi and Ahmedabad, affected. Whether bio-secure bubble was lax or virus breached it for some other reason still to be determined."
Number of people infected in IPL growing rapidly: 2 from KKR, 3 from CSK, 1 from SRH and now 2 from DC. Players are both venues, Delhi and Ahmedabad, affected. Whether bio-secure bubble was lax or virus breached it for some other reason still to be determined
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 4, 2021
Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin also gave his views, "In view of the COVID crisis in India and with players testing positive, the postponement of IPL with immediate effect is the correct course of action taken by @BCCI and the IPL governing council. Hope to see IPL back soon in better & safe environment. #IPL2021#IndiaFightsCOVID19."
In view of the COVID crisis in India and with players testing positive, the postponement of IPL with immediate effect is the correct course of action taken by @BCCI and the IPL governing council.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) May 4, 2021
Hope to see IPL back soon in better & safe environment.#IPL2021 #IndiaFightsCOVID19
Former England women's player Isa Guha and former England men's captain Kevin Pietersen were left heartbroken to the situation in the country after IPL 2021 was postponed.
Isa Guha tweeted, "Thinking of everyone in India. Heartbreaking to see. Below is where I've donated if you can spare a penny - all money is going to support the oxygen crisis. #COVID19India."
Thinking of everyone in India. Heartbreaking to see. Below is where I’ve donated if you can spare a penny - all money is going to support the oxygen crisis. ??#COVID19India https://t.co/Q8Rlxzp4Br
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) May 4, 2021
Pietersen also showcased his support and tweeted, "India - it's heartbreaking to see a country I love so much suffering! You WILL get through this! You WILL be stronger coming out of this Your kindness & generosity NEVER goes unnoticed even during this crisis! #IncredibleIndia."
India - it’s heartbreaking to see a country I love so much suffering! ?
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) May 4, 2021
You WILL get through this!
You WILL be stronger coming out of this!
Your kindness & generosity NEVER goes unnoticed even during this crisis! ??#IncredibleIndia ❤️
The IPL 2021 was hit by several COVID-19 cases, with two Kolkata Knight Riders players - Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Warrier testing positive initially, followed by Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji and a member of the transport staff.
When two players - one each from SunRisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals - test positive on Tuesday, that was the last straw and the BCCI decided to postpone the event.
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