Pune: The ongoing 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) has been marred by a swing of COVID-19 cases from past few days. Due to the rising number of cases, IPL was suspended, BCCI Vice President, Rajeev Shukla told ANI.
"IPL was suspended indefinitely after multiple COVID-19 cases in its bio-bubble," IPLchairman Brijesh Patel was quoted as saying by PTI.
The tournament was suspended, following several players and staff members from the franchises were tested positive for the virus. All teams, broadcast crew and organisers were functioning in a bio-secure bubble amid the COVID-19 scare. While the tournament had continued, multiple players have withdrawn in recent days.
Over the past few days, players, support staff and groundsmen have tested positive for the novel coronavirus around multiple venues. The latest case to come out is from the SunRisers Hyderabad wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha.
The IPL on its official website said, "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.
On Monday, two players from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) tested positive. Pacer Sandeep Warrier and spinner Varun Chakravarthy tested positive for COVID.
As per the Board's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), anyone who has come in contact with an infected person has to undergo six days of quarantine and return three negative RT-PCR reports during the course of it. In light of the development, take a look at the list of IPL players, staff members who have tested positive so far.
Amit Mishra (DC): According to multiple reports, Delhi Capitals’ (DC) spinner Amit Mishra was found positive for coronavirus on Tuesday. Some media reports state that the veteran spinner left the bio-bubble and went for scans. Delhi Capitals played their last game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday.
Wriddhiman Saha (SRH): In a big blow for SRH, wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha tested positive on Tuesday. The entire SRH team was in isolation since Monday. SRH is scheduled to take on Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday.
L Balaji (CSK bowling coach): Two members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent and a cleaner of their team bus on Monday tested positive in New Delhi. CSK’s head bowling coach L Balaji also tested positive. CSK on their Twitter handle announced the news. CSK is currently stationed at a hotel in Delhi and already postponed their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) which was scheduled on Wednesday.
Nitish Rana (KKR): The 27-year-old lefthander had tested positive a day after he arrived in Mumbai on March 21.
Kiran More (MI): Three days before Mumbai Indians started their game in IPL 2021, talent scout Kiran More had tested positive for COVID-19.
Devdutt Padikkal (RCB): The 20-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 on March 22.
Daniel Sams (RCB): The 28-year-old Australian all-rounder tested positive on April 7.
Axar Patel (DC): The Delhi Capitals allrounder had tested positive for COVID-19. He had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on March 28.
Anrich Nortje (DC): The South African speedgun was undergoing seven days of mandatory quarantine when he tested positive for COVID. He had come with a COVID negative report.
Meanwhile, a plea was moved in the Delhi high court on Monday to suspend the IPL matches being held in Delhi immediately and instead to use the ground for COVID-related relief as the situation is serious. On the other side, Bombay High Court has decided to hear the PIL seeking direction to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to cancel or postpone IPL 2021 due to current COVID19 situation on Thursday.
