The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indefinitely suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after several players and support staff tested positive for COVID-19.
This news came moments after Amit Mishra of Delhi Capitals and Wriddhiman Saha of Sunrisers Hyderabad tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.
The official statement from the BCCI said, “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, the game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore was postponed after two players from Kolkata tested positive for COVID-19. The players have been identified as Varun Chakaravarthy and Sandeep Warrier infected.
Furthermore, later in the evening, it emerged that Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji and another staff member also tested positive.
Last week, three Australian players opted out of the IPL as the COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in India. These players included Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and Andrew Tye.
The leg spinner Zampa and fast bowler were representing Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) while Andrew Tye was part of Rajasthan Royals.
