IPL 2020: Maharashtra Government Bans Ticket Sales To Stop Coronavirus Spread

Things don’t seem to be going good for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from March 29 this year with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings taking on each other in the opening game of the season at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

However, the widespread coronavirus seems to play the spoilsport in the smooth functioning of the biggest T20 league in the world.

The coronavirus has affected the sports spectrum — to a great deal and games all over the world are being played behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

Now, the Indian Premier League also looks to follow the same road.

IPL 2020: Maharashtra Govt Bans Ticket Sales Due To Corona

Earlier in the week, the Karnataka government sought the advice of the central government on whether matches should be held in Bengaluru, given the spread of the coronavirus.

“I have written to the Centre saying that IPL matches are scheduled to be held in Karnataka. We have mentioned in the letter that neighbouring Maharashtra has already taken a decision in this regard. We are awaiting Centre’s guidance on what action should be taken,” said Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said.

Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary Javed Akhtar said, “The decision taken by the Maharashtra government will be taken into consideration by us before we make a final call.”

BCCI Had Refused Any Changes In The Plan

The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had earlier said that all precautionary measures will be taken so that the players and the spectators don’t get infected with the virus, adding that a medical team is looking at finer details.

“IPL is very much on. Everywhere, the tournaments are going on. England are already in Sri Lanka. South Africa are here. There are no issues,” Ganguly had said.

“County teams are travelling all over the world. They are travelling to Abu Dhabi, UAE to play. So there is no problem,” he added.

“We will take all precautions. I don’t know exactly what are the extra measures. It’s only medical team which will tell us about that,” he said.

Also Read: Cancel IPL 2020: Plea In Madras High Court Against IPL Games Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak