IPL 2021 has been suspended not cancelled – BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla

The Board of Control for Cricket in India vice-president Rajiv Shukla has stated the Indian Premier League 2021 season has been suspended but it has not been cancelled. Shukla has assured that the 14th season of the IPL will resume once the Covid-19 situation improves.

BCCI had to postpone IPL 2021 indefinitely after a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases. Delhi Capitals’ leg-spinner Amit Mishra and Sunrisers Hyderabad wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha were tested positive Covid-19 on Tuesday.

Subsequently, Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey was tested positive for the virus after their bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji and a bus cleaner were tested positive on Monday. Thus, it was a guile decision from the Indian board to postpone the event indefinitely.

In fact, the postponement of the event was always on the cards after two KKR players – Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakravarthy – were tested positive on Monday. Thus, the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders was rescheduled.

Shukla added that the BCCI and a franchise are looking after their players.

“We are looking after our players, franchises are also looking after their players. We have spoken to each and every franchise, so not many cases are there. One or two franchises are affected so far and there are regular tests being conducted. Barring these few players all the other players are negative. The situation is not that bad but we took the decision keeping the future in mind, if something happens. We have made a decision with that prospect.

Shukla noted that the foreign players were scared because of the second wave of Covid-19 and wanted to get back to their country.

“I want to make it clear that IPL 2021 has not been 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. 

“They are scared, the situation in India is bad. Few players wanted to leave the country. They had spoken to their franchisees and the franchisees also confided with us. But not many players were willing to leave the country. But keeping that in mind, and obviously, there is a panic-like situation, if people are scared, we have to look at that aspect also and we have to take steps accordingly. So, that’s why keeping their concerns in mind, their families’ concerns in mind, we have taken this decision,” Rajeev Shukla told Star Sports. 

It is reported that the BCCI is eyeing the September window to host the remainder of the tournament.