The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully conducted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> in the UAE despite postponement in March 2020. In April 2020, IPL was further postponed indefinitely as doubts surfaced whether it would be possible to organise the T20 tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, BCCI went ahead with their plans and shifted the IPL 2020 in the UAE, which was played behind closed doors, and earned a staggering INR 4,000 crore.&nbsp;

BCCI was staring at a massive financial loss had the IPL 2020 been cancelled but led by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, the Indian board managed to successfully host the tournament.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-positive-covid-19-test-nearly-led-to-ipl-2020-cancellation-344851" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's positive COVID-19 test nearly led to IPL 2020 cancellation</a>

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal praised the Indian board for cutting nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to previous IPL while adding that TV viewership saw a 25 per cent surge and that the board earned a whopping INR 4,000 crore.&nbsp;

“The Board managed to cut nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to the last IPL. We earned Rs 4,000 crore during the pandemic time. Our TV viewership went about 25 per cent higher, we got the highest-ever opening game (Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings) viewership. Those who doubted us came and thanked us for hosting the IPL. Had this IPL not happened, cricketers would have lost one year,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told The Indian Express.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-witnessed-record-breaking-surge-in-viewership-342978" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 witnessed record-breaking surge in viewership</a>

Dhumal also revealed that the BCCI conducted over 30,000 tests with over 1,5000 people involved with the tournament. Reportedly, the BCCI paid INR 100 crore to the Emirates Cricket Board for helping them host IPL 2020. 
&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully conducted the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE despite postponement in March 2020. In April 2020, IPL was further postponed indefinitely as doubts surfaced whether it would be possible to organise the T20 tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully conducted the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE despite postponement in March 2020. In April 2020, IPL was further postponed indefinitely as doubts surfaced whether it would be possible to organise the T20 tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, BCCI went ahead with their plans and shifted the IPL 2020 in the UAE, which was played behind closed doors, and earned a staggering INR 4,000 crore. BCCI was staring at a massive financial loss had the IPL 2020 been cancelled but led by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, the Indian board managed to successfully host the tournament. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's positive COVID-19 test nearly led to IPL 2020 cancellation BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal praised the Indian board for cutting nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to previous IPL while adding that TV viewership saw a 25 per cent surge and that the board earned a whopping INR 4,000 crore. “The Board managed to cut nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to the last IPL. We earned Rs 4,000 crore during the pandemic time. Our TV viewership went about 25 per cent higher, we got the highest-ever opening game (Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings) viewership. Those who doubted us came and thanked us for hosting the IPL. Had this IPL not happened, cricketers would have lost one year,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told The Indian Express. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 witnessed record-breaking surge in viewership Dhumal also revealed that the BCCI conducted over 30,000 tests with over 1,5000 people involved with the tournament. Reportedly, the BCCI paid INR 100 crore to the Emirates Cricket Board for helping them host IPL 2020.

BCCI earns a whopping INR 4000 crore by conducting IPL 2020

With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> heading to the UAE, moving players for the tournament would be tough task for the organisers but for BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit head Ajit Singh, the move to conduct the IPL in the UAE will make monitoring the event “slightly easier” as it would be restricted to just three venues.&nbsp;

IPL 2020 is set to start in the UAE from September 19 with the final slated to be played on November 8. However, only three stadiums in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will host the 60 games over the period of 51 days.

"In the UAE, it will be slightly easier doing (monitoring ACU activity) as there are only three grounds compared to eight venues in India. That's not an issue at all. Once the schedule comes, we will decided the workforce," Singh told PTI during an interaction. The UAE, in 2014, hosted the first part of IPL due to general elections in India.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-sends-acceptance-letter-to-emirates-cricket-board-for-hosting-ipl-2020-in-uae-316221" hreflang="en">BCCI sends acceptance letter to Emirates Cricket Board for hosting IPL 2020 in UAE</a>

Singh said currently, there are "eight ACU officers who are on BCCI payrolls".

However, monitoring all the 60 matches as well as keeping an eye on hotels will depend on the kind of bio-secure bubble created for the tournament, Singh reckoned.&nbsp;

"It's too early to comment on measures as we need to first check what kind of bio-security measures will be created. We first need to see how things are taking shape there and we will deploy our men accordingly," Singh said.

"In case, we need men, we will hire them," he added.

The BCCI can even ask for help from the ICC, which is headquartered in Dubai, given the global body’s huge team of ACU officials.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-to-be-played-between-september-19-and-november-8-confirms-brijesh-patel-315632" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 to be played between September 19 and November 8, confirms Brijesh Patel</a>

"If it is a private league that approaches ICC for hiring ACU officers and they agree to cover the event, then the league organisers bear the costs," the senior official told PTI.

The BCCI might need some more workforce considering that each team will have one dedicated 'Integrity Officer' as per rules.

"It is the BCCI that will designate one Integrity officer per team during the course of the IPL. Now whether they will be a part of the bio-bubble (if created), we don't know, but the Integrity officer is completely their domain," a senior franchise official clarified the rules.

The UAE is known to being a hot bed for bookies and fixers but the ACU head is confident that intelligence gathering won’t be affected by the shift of tournament.&nbsp;

"Whoever is involved (bookies/fixers) they are all inter-connected. If we have our sources here, they also know how these bookies operate.

"If they get an information of this place, they will get an information of that place also. It's not so much of an issue," he said. 
&nbsp;

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 heading to the UAE, moving players for the tournament would be tough task for the organisers but for BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit head Ajit Singh, the move to conduct the IPL in the UAE will make monitoring the event “slightly easier” as it would be restricted to just three venues.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 heading to the UAE, moving players for the tournament would be tough task for the organisers but for BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit head Ajit Singh, the move to conduct the IPL in the UAE will make monitoring the event “slightly easier” as it would be restricted to just three venues. IPL 2020 is set to start in the UAE from September 19 with the final slated to be played on November 8. However, only three stadiums in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will host the 60 games over the period of 51 days. "In the UAE, it will be slightly easier doing (monitoring ACU activity) as there are only three grounds compared to eight venues in India. That's not an issue at all. Once the schedule comes, we will decided the workforce," Singh told PTI during an interaction. The UAE, in 2014, hosted the first part of IPL due to general elections in India. ALSO READ: BCCI sends acceptance letter to Emirates Cricket Board for hosting IPL 2020 in UAE Singh said currently, there are "eight ACU officers who are on BCCI payrolls". However, monitoring all the 60 matches as well as keeping an eye on hotels will depend on the kind of bio-secure bubble created for the tournament, Singh reckoned. "It's too early to comment on measures as we need to first check what kind of bio-security measures will be created. We first need to see how things are taking shape there and we will deploy our men accordingly," Singh said. "In case, we need men, we will hire them," he added. The BCCI can even ask for help from the ICC, which is headquartered in Dubai, given the global body’s huge team of ACU officials. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 to be played between September 19 and November 8, confirms Brijesh Patel "If it is a private league that approaches ICC for hiring ACU officers and they agree to cover the event, then the league organisers bear the costs," the senior official told PTI. The BCCI might need some more workforce considering that each team will have one dedicated 'Integrity Officer' as per rules. "It is the BCCI that will designate one Integrity officer per team during the course of the IPL. Now whether they will be a part of the bio-bubble (if created), we don't know, but the Integrity officer is completely their domain," a senior franchise official clarified the rules. The UAE is known to being a hot bed for bookies and fixers but the ACU head is confident that intelligence gathering won’t be affected by the shift of tournament. "Whoever is involved (bookies/fixers) they are all inter-connected. If we have our sources here, they also know how these bookies operate. "If they get an information of this place, they will get an information of that place also. It's not so much of an issue," he said.

Keeping tabs on IPL ACU operations in UAE will be 'slightly easier': Ajit Singh

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has picked his all-time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> XI as the swashbuckling batsman picked some surprising names to comprise a deadly team on the paper. De Villiers is regarded as one of the finest players to have taken the cricket field and his camaraderie with Virat Kohli is known to all.

De Villiers picked Rohit Sharma and Virender Sehwag as the opening batsmen of his all-time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> XI before naming Kohli at three. He didn’t have a choice but to pick himself at four with a surprise pick in Ben Stokes at number five. Chennai Super Kings stalwart and former Indian skipper MS Dhoni takes up the captain’s armband and the wicket-keeping gloves in de Villiers’ team as the former Proteas skipper opened up on Cricbuzz.&nbsp;

For the all-rounder’s spot, de Villiers went with Ravindra Jadeja before picking Rashid Khan as the spinner who can tonk a few as well. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah formed de Villiers’ pace attack in his all-time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> XI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/daren-sammy-slams-fair-lovely-says-it-hints-at-colourism-309750" hreflang="en">Daren Sammy slams Fair &amp; Lovely, says it hints at colourism</a>

De Villiers went on to shower high praise on his RCB skipper Virat Kohli as he said that despite being a different kind of batsmen, they two form a deadly pair. However, the South African batsman admitted that Kohli is a more reliable option.

“We take on different bowlers. I personally like to attack a little earlier, not to show weakness early on. I am earlier to the trigger. I want the bowlers to feel early on that it will be trouble if I’m allowed to bat for 5 overs,” de Villiers said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/senior-indian-cricketer-under-scanner-after-flouting-bccis-family-clause-during-world-cup-2019-report-309700" hreflang="en">Senior Indian cricketer under scanner after flouting BCCI's 'family clause' during World Cup 2019: Report</a>

“Virat is a more reliable batsman. He’s the one you want to bat for 15 overs. I am better in a way I could change the game quicker, have an injection that could swing the game. So together we are a nice combo,” he added.

<h2>AB de Villiers’ all-time IPL XI:</h2>

Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Ben Stokes, MS Dhoni (c) (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah 
&nbsp;

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has picked his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI as the swashbuckling batsman picked some surprising names to comprise a deadly team on the paper.

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has picked his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI as the swashbuckling batsman picked some surprising names to comprise a deadly team on the paper. De Villiers is regarded as one of the finest players to have taken the cricket field and his camaraderie with Virat Kohli is known to all. De Villiers picked Rohit Sharma and Virender Sehwag as the opening batsmen of his all-time IPL XI before naming Kohli at three. He didn’t have a choice but to pick himself at four with a surprise pick in Ben Stokes at number five. Chennai Super Kings stalwart and former Indian skipper MS Dhoni takes up the captain’s armband and the wicket-keeping gloves in de Villiers’ team as the former Proteas skipper opened up on Cricbuzz. For the all-rounder’s spot, de Villiers went with Ravindra Jadeja before picking Rashid Khan as the spinner who can tonk a few as well. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah formed de Villiers’ pace attack in his all-time IPL XI. ALSO READ: Daren Sammy slams Fair & Lovely, says it hints at colourism De Villiers went on to shower high praise on his RCB skipper Virat Kohli as he said that despite being a different kind of batsmen, they two form a deadly pair. However, the South African batsman admitted that Kohli is a more reliable option. “We take on different bowlers. I personally like to attack a little earlier, not to show weakness early on. I am earlier to the trigger. I want the bowlers to feel early on that it will be trouble if I’m allowed to bat for 5 overs,” de Villiers said. ALSO READ: Senior Indian cricketer under scanner after flouting BCCI's 'family clause' during World Cup 2019: Report “Virat is a more reliable batsman. He’s the one you want to bat for 15 overs. I am better in a way I could change the game quicker, have an injection that could swing the game. So together we are a nice combo,” he added. AB de Villiers’ all-time IPL XI: Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Ben Stokes, MS Dhoni (c) (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah

MS Dhoni named captain as AB de Villiers picks his all-time IPL XI

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked lawyer-cum-petitioner Mohan Babu Agrawal to approach the regular bench of the apex court to mention his matter related to the postponement of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament on the ground of the spread of coronavirus.

The vacation bench headed by Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and comprising Justice Aniruddha Bose asked Agrawal to mention it before the regular bench and refused to hear the mentioning.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-announces-multiple-visa-restrictions-and-updates-its-travel-advisory-285798">Indian government announces multiple visa restrictions and updates its travel advisory</a>

The Bench stated that this is a vacation bench and will hear urgent matters only.

Agrawal mentioned before the apex court today that the IPL is set to begin on March 29, with the lung opener set to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-crisis-mea-appoints-nodal-person-to-coordinate-efforts-285680">Coronavirus crisis: MEA appoints nodal person to coordinate efforts</a>

But as coronavirus is spreading, there should be a postponement of the IPL tournament in India.

Agrawal also mentioned before the top court that people come from abroad for IPL, adding that 30,000 to 50,000 people may attend the IPL matches, and every state is affected by coronavirus outbreak.

The virus, which originated in China, has infected over 1,10,000 people worldwide spreading to over 90 countries.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked lawyer-cum-petitioner Mohan Babu Agrawal to approach the regular bench of the apex court to mention his matter related to the postponement of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament on the ground of the spread of coronavirus.

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked lawyer-cum-petitioner Mohan Babu Agrawal to approach the regular bench of the apex court to mention his matter related to the postponement of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament on the ground of the spread of coronavirus. The vacation bench headed by Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and comprising Justice Aniruddha Bose asked Agrawal to mention it before the regular bench and refused to hear the mentioning. Also read: Indian government announces multiple visa restrictions and updates its travel advisory The Bench stated that this is a vacation bench and will hear urgent matters only. Agrawal mentioned before the apex court today that the IPL is set to begin on March 29, with the lung opener set to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Also read: Coronavirus crisis: MEA appoints nodal person to coordinate efforts But as coronavirus is spreading, there should be a postponement of the IPL tournament in India. Agrawal also mentioned before the top court that people come from abroad for IPL, adding that 30,000 to 50,000 people may attend the IPL matches, and every state is affected by coronavirus outbreak. The virus, which originated in China, has infected over 1,10,000 people worldwide spreading to over 90 countries.

SC refuses urgent hearing on plea seeking postponement of IPL amid coronavirus fears

With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the sporting world has taken a massive hit. Many tournaments across sports have been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are now on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which is scheduled to kickstart from March 29 with the iconic Wankhede Stadium being the host for the tournament opener. &nbsp;With positive cases of COVID-19 rising to at least 71 on Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL governing council are mulling over holding the cash-rich tournament behind closed doors, without any spectators.&nbsp;

While there is no official confirmation as of now and an IPL governing council meeting set to take place on March 14 (Saturday), the real possibility of conducting IPL 2020 is being considered by the officials. "We are discussing the possibility of playing IPL behind closed doors," the official said&nbsp;while adding, "compensation for teams to be discussed on Saturday."

<h2>Should IPL 2020 take place amid coronavirus outbreak?</h2>

However, the Indian government on Thursday advised the BCCI against holding the IPL 2020 later in March due to coronavirus outbreak. "We advise against conducting IPL, the final decision lies with organisers," MEA said.

The government has already issued a fresh advisory with suspension on all existing foreign visas, except a few categories like diplomatic and employment, till April 15.

Earlier, Sports Secretary Radhey Shyan Julaniya said that all the National Sports Federations, including the BBCI, have been asked to follow the Health Ministry's latest advisory and avoid public gatherings at all costs.

"We have asked all the NSFs (National Sports Federations), including the BCCI, to follow the Health Ministry's latest advisory, which says public gatherings should be avoided in all events, including sporting activities," PTI quoted Sports Secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya as saying.

An official statement is expected on March 14 (Saturday) after the completion of IPL governing council meeting in which the possibility of having IPL 2020 will be discussed.

With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the sporting world has taken a massive hit. Many tournaments across sports have been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are now on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which is scheduled to kickstart from March 29 with the iconic Wankhede Stadium being the host for the tournament opener.

With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the sporting world has taken a massive hit. Many tournaments across sports have been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are now on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which is scheduled to kickstart from March 29 with the iconic Wankhede Stadium being the host for the tournament opener. With positive cases of COVID-19 rising to at least 71 on Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL governing council are mulling over holding the cash-rich tournament behind closed doors, without any spectators. While there is no official confirmation as of now and an IPL governing council meeting set to take place on March 14 (Saturday), the real possibility of conducting IPL 2020 is being considered by the officials. "We are discussing the possibility of playing IPL behind closed doors," the official said while adding, "compensation for teams to be discussed on Saturday." Should IPL 2020 take place amid coronavirus outbreak? However, the Indian government on Thursday advised the BCCI against holding the IPL 2020 later in March due to coronavirus outbreak. "We advise against conducting IPL, the final decision lies with organisers," MEA said. The government has already issued a fresh advisory with suspension on all existing foreign visas, except a few categories like diplomatic and employment, till April 15. Earlier, Sports Secretary Radhey Shyan Julaniya said that all the National Sports Federations, including the BBCI, have been asked to follow the Health Ministry's latest advisory and avoid public gatherings at all costs. "We have asked all the NSFs (National Sports Federations), including the BCCI, to follow the Health Ministry's latest advisory, which says public gatherings should be avoided in all events, including sporting activities," PTI quoted Sports Secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya as saying. An official statement is expected on March 14 (Saturday) after the completion of IPL governing council meeting in which the possibility of having IPL 2020 will be discussed.

'We advise against conducting IPL': MEA to BCCI amid coronavirus outbreak

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread like wildfire, the world of sports has taken a massive hit. A plethora of sporting events have been either cancelled or postponed including the India versus South Africa ODI series and much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While the three-match ODI series has been cancelled and the Proteas players will leave India in the earliest flight available, IPL 2020 has been suspended till April 15.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly reacted for the first time since the postponement of IPL 2020 as the former Indian skipper said everyone's safety is the utmost priority for the cricket board while adding sticking to the postponement is the best possible option.

<h2>"Everyone's safety is our priority"</h2>

"Let us stick to postponement as for now. Everyone's safety is our priority," BCCI president Ganguly said on the postponement of IPL 2020 on Friday.&nbsp;

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With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, the entire sporting calendar has been left shattered. Tournaments like UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, England tour of Sri Lanka, Australian Grand Prix, ATP men's tour, Indian Super League 2019-20 final, Kolkata derby, among a few being either suspended or postponed, the onus was on BCCI to decide on the future of IPL 2020 and the apex cricket board decided to suspend it till April 15.

The BCCI's decision came after the Sports Ministry's advisory to all National Sports Federations to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events.

Earlier, the Indian government had announced the cancellation of all regular visas to India except diplomatic and official visas from March 13, which had put the participation of foreign players under dark clouds. However, with the IPL Governing Council meeting set to be held on March 14 (Saturday), it will be interesting to see what conclusion they come, along with all IPL franchises, regarding the scheduling and timings of the matches&nbsp;

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread like wildfire, the world of sports has taken a massive hit. A plethora of sporting events have been either cancelled or postponed including the India versus South Africa ODI series and much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread like wildfire, the world of sports has taken a massive hit. A plethora of sporting events have been either cancelled or postponed including the India versus South Africa ODI series and much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While the three-match ODI series has been cancelled and the Proteas players will leave India in the earliest flight available, IPL 2020 has been suspended till April 15. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly reacted for the first time since the postponement of IPL 2020 as the former Indian skipper said everyone's safety is the utmost priority for the cricket board while adding sticking to the postponement is the best possible option. "Everyone's safety is our priority" "Let us stick to postponement as for now. Everyone's safety is our priority," BCCI president Ganguly said on the postponement of IPL 2020 on Friday. BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on IPL 2020 postponement: Let us stick to postponement as for now. Everyone's safety is our priority pic.twitter.com/WvGU3zcfJJ — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2020 × With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, the entire sporting calendar has been left shattered. Tournaments like UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, England tour of Sri Lanka, Australian Grand Prix, ATP men's tour, Indian Super League 2019-20 final, Kolkata derby, among a few being either suspended or postponed, the onus was on BCCI to decide on the future of IPL 2020 and the apex cricket board decided to suspend it till April 15. The BCCI's decision came after the Sports Ministry's advisory to all National Sports Federations to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events. Earlier, the Indian government had announced the cancellation of all regular visas to India except diplomatic and official visas from March 13, which had put the participation of foreign players under dark clouds. However, with the IPL Governing Council meeting set to be held on March 14 (Saturday), it will be interesting to see what conclusion they come, along with all IPL franchises, regarding the scheduling and timings of the matches

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly reacts to the postponement of IPL 2020

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, many sporting events all around the world have taken a major hit. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday confirmed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been suspended till April 15 as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus pandemic. With almost every sporting events either getting postponed or suspended, all eyes were on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 which was scheduled to start from March 29.&nbsp;

The BCCI, in a statement, said that the board is concerned and sensitive about the stakeholders and public health while adding that it is taking all steps to ensure that IPL 2020 is a safe cricketing experience.&nbsp;

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend IPL 2020 till 15th April 2020, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation. 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," BCCI said in a statement on Friday.

"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 statement added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-explores-alternate-venues-after-delhi-shuts-doors-on-ipl-matches-due-to-coronavirus-286120">BCCI explores alternate venues after Delhi shuts doors on IPL matches due to coronavirus</a>

Earlier, the Indian government had suspended all the visas till April 15 which brought the future of IPL 2020 and the participation of foreign players under dark clouds. However, with IPL 2020 being suspended till April 15, cricket fans will hope that the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic improves.&nbsp;

On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi - Manish Sisodia - confirmed that there will be no sporting activities in the national capital, including IPL 2020, until further notice. The Delhi government's statement came as a big blow to IPL and BCCI with Feroz Shah Kotla being the home stadium of Delhi Capitals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-ipl-2020-other-sports-event-to-be-held-in-delhi-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-manish-sisodia-286089">No IPL 2020, other sports event to be held in Delhi amid coronavirus outbreak: Manish Sisodia</a>

Many sporting events such as ISSF Shooting World Cup, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Euro, NBA and Australia Grand Prix, to name a few have been either suspended or postponed and it will be interesting to see how the BCCI manages to conduct IPL 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, many sporting events all around the world have taken a major hit. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday confirmed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been suspended till April 15 as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus pandemic.

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, many sporting events all around the world have taken a major hit. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday confirmed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been suspended till April 15 as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus pandemic. With almost every sporting events either getting postponed or suspended, all eyes were on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 which was scheduled to start from March 29. The BCCI, in a statement, said that the board is concerned and sensitive about the stakeholders and public health while adding that it is taking all steps to ensure that IPL 2020 is a safe cricketing experience. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend IPL 2020 till 15th April 2020, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation. 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," BCCI said in a statement on Friday. "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 statement added. ALSO READ: BCCI explores alternate venues after Delhi shuts doors on IPL matches due to coronavirus Earlier, the Indian government had suspended all the visas till April 15 which brought the future of IPL 2020 and the participation of foreign players under dark clouds. However, with IPL 2020 being suspended till April 15, cricket fans will hope that the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic improves. On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi - Manish Sisodia - confirmed that there will be no sporting activities in the national capital, including IPL 2020, until further notice. The Delhi government's statement came as a big blow to IPL and BCCI with Feroz Shah Kotla being the home stadium of Delhi Capitals. ALSO READ: No IPL 2020, other sports event to be held in Delhi amid coronavirus outbreak: Manish Sisodia Many sporting events such as ISSF Shooting World Cup, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Euro, NBA and Australia Grand Prix, to name a few have been either suspended or postponed and it will be interesting to see how the BCCI manages to conduct IPL 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

IPL 2020 suspended till April 15 amid coronavirus outbreak, confirms BCCI

With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the Delhi government has banned all sporting activities, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 matches and other conferences until further notice, announced Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday (March 13). The Delhi government's ban will be specific to events where gatherings of 200 people or more are likely. However, this comes as a major blow to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL Governing Council ahead of their meeting on March 14 (Saturday).

"Thousands of people will come for these events, from all over. There is no way to know who is coming, where they are coming from and no way to control their arrival. It takes only one person to spread this disease, to be a carrier," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.

"For this reason, the government has decided to ban these events. Right now, social distancing is the best solution. We have asked all District Magistrates and Sub-District Magistrates to follow all orders from the Health Department," he added.

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<h2>Future of IPL 2020 unclear?</h2>

Even though it is yet unclear whether IPL 2020 matches will be allowed to take place in empty stadiums, as it will happen in the remaining two ODIs of the India vs South Africa ODI series. Meanwhile, Delhi have followed Maharashtra's footstep where the state government has banned ticket sales of IPL 2020.

However, it will be interesting to see the outcome of the IPL Governing Council meeting which will be held on March 14 (Saturday). All the IPL franchises have been invited to the meeting and it is highly likely that the cash-rich tournament will be pushed back with more afternoon matches and doubleheaders to be played.&nbsp;

With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the Delhi government has banned all sporting activities, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 matches and other conferences until further notice, announced Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday (March 13).

With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the Delhi government has banned all sporting activities, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 matches and other conferences until further notice, announced Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday (March 13). The Delhi government's ban will be specific to events where gatherings of 200 people or more are likely. However, this comes as a major blow to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL Governing Council ahead of their meeting on March 14 (Saturday). "Thousands of people will come for these events, from all over. There is no way to know who is coming, where they are coming from and no way to control their arrival. It takes only one person to spread this disease, to be a carrier," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said. "For this reason, the government has decided to ban these events. Right now, social distancing is the best solution. We have asked all District Magistrates and Sub-District Magistrates to follow all orders from the Health Department," he added. Sports gatherings including IPL prohibited in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ALLf7J1NUo — Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) March 13, 2020 × Future of IPL 2020 unclear? Even though it is yet unclear whether IPL 2020 matches will be allowed to take place in empty stadiums, as it will happen in the remaining two ODIs of the India vs South Africa ODI series. Meanwhile, Delhi have followed Maharashtra's footstep where the state government has banned ticket sales of IPL 2020. However, it will be interesting to see the outcome of the IPL Governing Council meeting which will be held on March 14 (Saturday). All the IPL franchises have been invited to the meeting and it is highly likely that the cash-rich tournament will be pushed back with more afternoon matches and doubleheaders to be played.

No IPL 2020, other sports event to be held in Delhi amid coronavirus outbreak: Manish Sisodia

The Delhi government's refusal to allow any IPL matches in the city owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the BCCI's woes with the board now looking for alternate venues in "willing" states to conduct a closed-door edition.

Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said that the national capital will not have any sporting events for a month to contain the spread of the deadly infection that has sent the world into turmoil with close to 5,000 deaths so far.

The IPL is due to start on March 29 in Mumbai and Delhi's first game was to be on March 30. "All sports gatherings will be banned, including the IPL, in wake of the coronavirus threat," Sisodia said. &nbsp;

The BCCI responded by listing the alternate venues that could play host. Delhi is home to the Delhi Capital IPL franchise. "Lucknow has been wanting to host IPL matches for a while now. If it's a closed-door tournament, it really doesn't matter where it is played," a BCCI source said.

Before Delhi, Karnataka has also expressed its unwillingness to host IPL matches, while Maharashtra have banned the sale of tickets.

The Delhi government's refusal to allow any IPL matches in the city owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the BCCI's woes with the board now looking for alternate venues in "willing" states to conduct a closed-door edition.

The Delhi government's refusal to allow any IPL matches in the city owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the BCCI's woes with the board now looking for alternate venues in "willing" states to conduct a closed-door edition. Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said that the national capital will not have any sporting events for a month to contain the spread of the deadly infection that has sent the world into turmoil with close to 5,000 deaths so far. The IPL is due to start on March 29 in Mumbai and Delhi's first game was to be on March 30. "All sports gatherings will be banned, including the IPL, in wake of the coronavirus threat," Sisodia said. The BCCI responded by listing the alternate venues that could play host. Delhi is home to the Delhi Capital IPL franchise. "Lucknow has been wanting to host IPL matches for a while now. If it's a closed-door tournament, it really doesn't matter where it is played," a BCCI source said. Before Delhi, Karnataka has also expressed its unwillingness to host IPL matches, while Maharashtra have banned the sale of tickets.

BCCI explores alternate venues after Delhi shuts doors on IPL matches due to coronavirus