BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla Clarifies IPL 2021 Not Cancelled, Just Postponed

BCCI President Rajeev Shukla has clarified the stance on the status of IPL 2021. Earlier in the day, the BCCI had to postpone the 14th edition of the marquee T20 league indefinitely after 29 matches as COVID-19 positive cases emerged within the bubble. Meanwhile, Rajeev Shukla stated that IPL 2021 stands postponed for now and not cancelled.

The crisis began unfolding when on Monday, Kolkata Knight Riders’ official Twitter handle announced that Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier have tested positive for COVID-19. It forced the authorities to postpone their clash that same day against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad. It also emerged that Chennai Super Kings’ contingents had also contracted the virus that is rampantly cutting through India.

Kolkata Knight Riders immediately quarantined the duo, with the likes of Brendon McCullum and Pat Cummins reportedly satisfied with the measures taken. On Tuesday, two more positive cases emerged as SunRisers Hyderabad’s Wriddhiman Saha and Delhi Capitals’ Amit Mishra also contracted the disease. Hence, the BCCI had no choice but to postpone the tournament indefinitely since the bubble was vulnerable.

The remaining part of this year’s IPL will happen: Rajeev Shukla

Rajeev Shukla saw it necessary to clarify that IPL 2021 stands postponed and not cancelled as the remaining fixtures of this year’s edition would take place. Hence, when the situation improves, they will take a decision about it. 

“I want to make it clear that IPL 2021 has been not cancelled. It has been suspended, it has been postponed, it has been deferred, so it will happen. The remaining part of this year’s IPL will happen. But in due course, when the covid situation improves, a decision will be taken about it,” Shukla said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

According to a Cricbuzz report, BCCI is looking to host the remainder part of the tournament in September. India will visit England to play the ICC World Test Championship final in June, followed by the Test series against the English team. The Indian cricket board hopes that their players would participate, with the overseas players also being ready for the T20 World Cup.

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